- any of numerous diurnal insects of the order Lepidoptera, characterized by clubbed antennae, a slender body, and large, broad, often conspicuously marked wings.
- a person who flits aimlessly from one interest or group to another: a social butterfly.
- a queasy feeling, as from nervousness, excitement, etc.
- a racing breaststroke, using a dolphin kick, in which the swimmer brings both arms out of the water in forward, circular motions.
- butterfly wedge.
- an X-shaped support attached to an armature.
- one of the swinging brackets of a butterfly table.
- a screen of scrim, gauze, or similar material, for diffusing light.
- to slit open and spread apart to resemble the spread wings of a butterfly.
- split open and spread apart to resemble a butterfly: butterfly shrimp; butterfly steak.
- any diurnal insect of the order Lepidoptera that has a slender body with clubbed antennae and typically rests with the wings (which are often brightly coloured) closed over the back
- a person who never settles with one group, interest, or occupation for long
- a swimming stroke in which the arms are plunged forward together in large circular movements
- the simultaneous purchase and sale of traded call options, at different exercise prices or with different expiry dates, on a stock exchange or commodity market
