Camberwell beauty

noun

Camberwell beauty

/ -wəl; ˈkæmbəˌwɛl /

a nymphalid butterfly, Nymphalis antiopa, of temperate regions, having dark purple wings with cream-yellow borders US namemourning cloak

First recorded in 1840–50

C19: named after Camberwell, a district of S London

A Camberwell Beauty darted through the open door and made its way, in erratic plunges, great wings waving, down the sunny aisle.

It was a Camberwell Beauty, and Hildegarde followed it about a little as it hovered lazily from one daisy to another.

She was so good to see that people called her "The Camberwell Beauty."

In many books this species is spoken of by its English name Camberwell Beauty.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse