butterflies

English

collection of butterflies

Pronunciation

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Noun

butterflies

1. plural of butterfly

Noun

butterflies pl (plural only)

1. Ellipsis of butterflies in one's stomach.
   • 2001, “Butterflies”, in Invincible, performed by Michael Jackson:

     And I wish that I could be with you tonight / 'Cause you give me butterflies

   • 2005, Andrew Porter, Suicide Squad: The Inside Story of a Football Firm:

     I was apprehensive, feeling butterflies, pissed, the sun cracking the flags.

   • 2007, Jeffrey Brown, Heavens Gate: Revelations, page 70:

     Trying to ignore his butterflies, he looks down at his watch just about every minute to make sure he has the right time.

   • 2013, Hayley Williams, Taylor York, “Still Into You”, in Paramore, performed by Paramore:

     I should be over all the butterflies / But I'm into you

   • 2020, 8485, “1:15”‎^[1]:

     I'm getting butterflies, like what the hell? / When I'm still feeling right all by myself

   • 2023 August 22, Megan Schaltegger, “Hate to Say It: The "Find My" App Could Be Hurting Your Relationship”, in Cosmopolitan‎^[2]:

     Attraction depends on several factors, including mystery and spontaneity—especially early on in the relationship. It’s what keeps those butterflies and the desire for more connection alive.

Derived terms

• butterflies in one's stomach

Verb

butterflies

1. third-person singular simple present indicative of butterfly

Anagrams

• filter tubes, flutterbies