butterfly net

noun

1. a conical net of fine mesh held open by a round rim to which a long handle is attached, used for collecting butterflies and other insects.

Word History and Origins

Origin of butterfly net¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

The researchers armed themselves with butterfly nets and lamps.

From Science News For Students

He’ll be out there,scooping his butterfly net through the highgrasses of the weightless forever, while I stayhere, tying ropes around my wrists—desire in one hand, suffering in the other.

From MIT Technology Review

Down the street, children with butterfly nets and oversized backpacks poured out of Seaton Elementary School at the noontime dismissal.

From Washington Post

And he began opening his butterfly-net, which lay in a case he always carried in his pocket.

From Project Gutenberg

A light attracts them and Hamilton, with the aid of a lantern and a butterfly-net, tried to catch some.

From Project Gutenberg

The beating net, which is constructed on the same general plan as the butterfly net, is valuable here as a time saver.

From Project Gutenberg

The Cicindel are actively running or flying about close to the water's edge and have to be captured with the butterfly net.

From Project Gutenberg

A butterfly net swept over the lawn was sure to secure all sorts of flying and jumping creatures.

From Project Gutenberg