How to Pronounce Butterfly

To pronounce "butterfly", say BUTT-erfly — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈbʌtə(ɹ)flaɪ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

butterfly

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈbʌtə(ɹ)flaɪ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “butterfly”

"butterfly" has 2 syllables: butt-erfly. It rhymes with wry and exemplify, if that helps it stick.

What does butterfly mean?

noun

A flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, distinguished from moths by their diurnal activity and generally brighter colouring.
A use of surgical tape, cut into thin strips and placed across an open wound to hold it closed.
“butterfly tape”

verb

To cut (food) almost entirely in half and spread the halves apart, in a shape suggesting the wings of a butterfly.
“Butterfly the chicken before you grill it.”
To cut strips of surgical tape or plasters into thin strips, and place across (a gaping wound) to close it.

Synonyms

lep

Words that rhyme with butterfly

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

wry exemplify rectify high lie apply fortify awry mollify amplify nullify cry

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "butterfly"?▾

"Butterfly" has 2 syllables: butt · erfly.

What is the IPA transcription of "butterfly"?▾

The IPA transcription of "butterfly" is /ˈbʌtə(ɹ)flaɪ/.

What does "butterfly" mean?▾

Butterfly: A flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, distinguished from moths by their diurnal activity and generally brighter colouring.

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