papillon

American  

[pap-uh-lon, pa-pee-yawn] / ˈpæp əˌlɒn, pa piˈyɔ̃ /

noun

plural

papillons

1. one of a breed of toy spaniels having a long, silky coat and large, erect ears held so that they resemble the wings of a butterfly.

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papillon British  

/ ˈpæpɪˌlɒn /

noun

1. a breed of toy spaniel with large ears

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Etymology

Origin of papillon

1905–10; < French: butterfly < Latin pāpiliōn- (stem of pāpiliō )

Example Sentences

Kiba, her 3.5-pound papillon with a purple Mohawk, pulled 556 pounds on rails.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

The Tibetan spaniel papillon mix was photographed on Instagram wearing a bow tie, with a caption that read: “My mommies are MARRIED!!!! Married?…… yes…. married!!!”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2023

When Morrill’s family got another papillon, Rosie, a year later, she was entirely different: bold, outgoing, and adoring of all people.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 27, 2022

A papillon lived up to its name — “butterfly,” in French — by fluttering around.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 13, 2017

Passez-lui ses cheveux poudrés, son air galant et papillon auprès des femmes.

From The Letters of Queen Victoria : A Selection from Her Majesty's Correspondence between the Years 1837 and 1861 Volume 1, 1837-1843 by Esher, Reginald Baliol Brett, Viscount