emperor butterfly

noun

: any of several large richly colored butterflies (such as the purple emperor) of the family Nymphalidae

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emperor butterfly was in 1822

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near emperor butterfly

Cite this Entry

“Emperor butterfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emperor%20butterfly. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!