butterfly

• Ein Tagfalter, also ein Insekt mit dünnem Körper, keulenförmigen Fühlern und breiten, farbenprächtigen Flügeln; außerdem ein Schwimmstil, bei dem beide Arme gleichzeitig aus dem Wasser nach vorn geworfen werden und die Beine delphinartige Bewegungen ausführen.

A noun referring to a diurnal insect with slender body, knobbed antennae, and broad colorful wings; also a swimming stroke where both arms are thrown forward together out of the water while the legs perform a dolphin kick.

1. A1formal

   A flying insect with a slender body, large often brightly colored wings, and club-shaped antennae, typically active during the day.

   Schmetterling

   • A beautiful butterfly landed on the flower.
   • The children watched the butterfly flutter across the garden.
   • Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles every year.

2. B1formalsport

   A competitive swimming stroke performed face down, where both arms are lifted out of the water and brought forward together, while the legs perform a dolphin kick.

   Schmetterlingsschwimmen

   • She won the gold medal in the 100-meter butterfly.
   • The butterfly stroke requires a lot of strength and coordination.
   • He is practicing his butterfly technique for the upcoming competition.

   Synonymefly

• Ein Verb, das bedeutet, Fleisch oder Fisch fast vollständig aufzuschneiden und flach auszubreiten, oder sich leicht und ziellos zu bewegen.

A verb meaning to cut food (especially meat or fish) almost in half and spread it flat, or to move about in a light, aimless manner.

1. Flutter or move lightlyB2informal

   To move or float in a light, fluttering manner, similar to the flight of a butterfly.

   Flattern

   • The dancer butterflyed across the stage with grace.
   • Leaves butterflyed down from the tree in the autumn breeze.
   • Her heart butterflyed with excitement as she waited.

   Synonymedriftflitflitterfloatflutterhoverwaft

2. Cut and spread openB2formalculinary

   To cut a piece of food, such as meat or fish, almost in half and spread it open flat, often for cooking.

   Aufschneiden und flach ausbreiten

   • The chef butterflyed the chicken breast before grilling it.
   • You should butterfly the shrimp to ensure even cooking.
   • He butterflyed the fish and seasoned it with herbs.

   Synonymeflattenopenspatchcocksplit

3. Flirt or behave amorouslyC1informal

   To talk or behave in a playful, romantic, or flirtatious manner without serious intentions.

   Flirten

   • He was butterflying with several people at the party.
   • She accused him of butterflying instead of being serious.
   • They spent the evening butterflying and laughing together.

   Synonymecoquetdallyflirtphilandertoytrifle