papilio

noun

pa·​pil·​io

pəˈpilēˌō,

-il(ˌ)yō

1

capitalized : a genus (the type of the family Papilionidae) of lepidopterous insects that as originally formulated included all the butterflies but is now usually restricted to the typical swallow-tailed butterflies and a few nearly related forms

2

plural -s : any butterfly of the genus Papilio

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, butterfly

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now