Butterfly: meaning, definitions and examples

A commonly used term for the colorful, fluttering insects that are often seen in gardens and meadows during the day.

• We saw a beautiful butterfly landing on the flowers.
• Butterflies are a sign of a healthy ecosystem.

This word is used to describe a type of insect that is similar to a butterfly but typically active at night and often duller in color. 'Moth' can have a more negative connotation when referring to insects that damage clothing or food.

• A large moth flew into the room and circled the light.
• We had to put our wool sweaters away in moth-proof bags.

This is a playful or whimsical term for 'butterfly' that is not commonly used in scientific or formal contexts.

• Look at that pretty flutterby dancing in the breeze!
• Children love to watch flutterbies in the garden.

The French word for butterfly. It is usually used in literary contexts, or when referring to something French or elegant.

• The sky was filled with colorful papillons during the festival.
• She wore a papillon brooch on her dress.

Typically refers to the insect with colorful wings. Can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is social and moves around a lot.

• The garden was full of beautiful butterflies.
• She's such a social butterfly, always chatting with everyone at the party.

Describes a person who is unreliable, often forgetting things, canceling plans, or not showing up. Generally negative.

• She's so flaky; she promised to help me but then didn't show up.
• You don't want to rely on him for important tasks—he's too flaky.

Describes someone who frequently changes their mind or loyalties. Often carries a negative connotation, implying instability or inconsistency.

• His fickle nature made it hard to know where he stood on important issues.
• The weather here is so fickle, changing from sunny to rainy in an hour.

Describes someone or something that cannot be depended upon. Strongly negative, as it implies a total lack of trustworthiness.

• The car is too unreliable to take on a long road trip.
• He has proven himself to be unreliable by missing so many deadlines.