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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | buterfleoge, from butere ( BUTTER1) + fleoge 'fly'; perhaps because many types of butterfly are yellow, or because people believed that butterflies steal milk and butter |
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but‧ter‧fly
plural butterflies [countable]
plural butterflies [countable]1HBI a type of insect that has large wings, often with beautiful colours
2 to feel very nervous before doing something : 
I always get butterflies before an exam.
have/get butterflies (in your stomach)
informalI always get butterflies before an exam.3DSS a way of swimming by lying on your front and moving your arms together over your head while your legs move up and down
the butterfly
4 someone who usually moves on quickly from one activity or person to the next :
