a lightweight, fine net on the end of a pole used for catching butterflies
butterfly net in American English
noun
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 origin
[1820–30]This word is first recorded in the period 1820–30. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: acetate, analogue, blouse, insider, tetrapod
Examples of 'butterfly net' in a sentence
butterfly net
It seemed pointless, like trying to catch smoke in a butterfly net.