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

As Hofsø looks on, the stooge throws a butterfly net over the unsuspecting Støre.

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“That was very funny. Every time we’ve met him since, he says, ‘Oh – are you going to catch me in that butterfly net?!’”

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Brandishing a butterfly net with impressive accuracy, Renee Buck dashes down the trail, then triumphantly holds aloft her prize — a dazzling orange and black fritillary butterfly interrupted during its flitting passage through the wildflowers at Mount Rainier National Park.

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The version of “Butterfly Net” on Caroline Polachek’s 2023 album, “Desire, I Want to Turn Into You,” was largely a 1960s-flavored folk-rock march that had her singing about “trying to catch your light.”

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But the official said no technology exists that would allow such a “butterfly net” capture operation.

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