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Glite Dictionary
emperor butterfly

emperor butterfly

6.1
A large bright butterfly with blue or green wings found in Africa and parts of Europe and Asia
  • noun
  • /ˈɛmpərər ˈbʌtərflaɪ/
  • UK
translation icon : mariposa emperador
  • The emperor butterfly is known for its vibrant blue and green wings.

Examples

  • We watched an emperor butterfly land gracefully on a garden flower.

  • Some species of emperor butterfly are considered threatened due to habitat loss.

  • The emperor butterfly is known for its striking colors.

  • Have you ever seen an emperor butterfly?

  • We watched an emperor butterfly land gracefully on a garden flower.

  • The emperor butterfly is known for its vibrant blue and green wings.

  • Some species of emperor butterfly are considered threatened due to habitat loss.

Synonyms

emperor
vsemperor butterfly
  • UK
1 8.3

A large bright butterfly found in Europe and Asia

includes Africa in its range as well as Europe and Asia
nymphalid butterfly
vsemperor butterfly
  • Specialized
8.6

A medium to large butterfly with bright wings and very small front legs

is more specific, naming a larger brightly colored species with wider African range

Surface Forms

emperor butterfly singular
emperor butterflies plural

Morphology

emperor + butterfly

The phrase is a straightforward noun–noun compound: 'emperor' modifies 'butterfly' to name a particular kind of butterfly (implying large/striking). This meaning is compositionally predictable from the constituents, so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a large or notable butterfly species.

Etymology

Emperor butterfly was named for its large size and bright, showy wings that look like a royal cloak. Early naturalists used emperor to show it looked grand, like a king, so the name helps you remember it is a big, brightly coloured butterfly.