painted lady
The term "painted lady" has diverse meanings, ranging from a butterfly species to a style of Victorian house and even a historical slang term.
Definition
B2Entomology
(technical, common)A butterfly known for its orange, black, and white wing patterns, belonging to the species Vanessa cardui.
Example
- The painted lady butterfly is often seen during its migration across continents.
B2Architecture
(American, historical)A Victorian house painted in vibrant colors to highlight its architectural details, especially common in San Francisco.
Example
- The row of painted ladies in San Francisco is a popular tourist attraction.
C1Botany
(technical, regional)A flower, either the painted trillium of North America or a pea family flower native to southwestern Australia.
Example
- The painted trillium adds a splash of color to the forest floor.
C1Historical Slang
(dated, informal)A term historically used to describe a woman who wears heavy makeup, often implying she is a prostitute.
Example
- In the 19th century, a painted lady was a common sight in certain urban areas.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "painted lady":
yellow admiralpainted buntingnaked ladypainted frogbutterfly lilymourning cloaklittle ladylady of the night