# butterflies

/ˈbətɝˌfɫaɪz/ (US) · /bˈʌtəflˌaɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/butterflies
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. insects

noun · CEFR A1

insects with four large, often brightly coloured wings.

For teachers: plural form of the lepidopterous insect characterized by four broad wings covered in microscopic scales, typically active during the day.

- The children chased the colourful butterflies through the meadow all afternoon.
- Conservationists are concerned that the declining population of native butterflies indicates a broader collapse in the local ecosystem's health.

### 2. nervous feeling

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a nervous or excited feeling in your stomach before doing something important.

For teachers: a physical sensation of fluttering or slight nausea in the stomach caused by anxiety or excitement. Usually used in the phrase 'to have butterflies'.

- I always get butterflies in my stomach right before I have to give a presentation.
- Despite her years of experience on the professional stage, she still felt butterflies before every opening night performance.

## Examples

- I always get butterflies before I have to speak in public.
- She felt butterflies as she waited for the interviewer to call her name.
- Even after years of professional performance, the lead violinist admitted to feeling butterflies in the moments before the curtain rose on opening night.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.