NYT Dictionary

PAPILLON

/ˈpæpɪjɒ̃/
NounPA-pil-lonpa-pil-lon · 3 syllablesCollege

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2021, 2024, 2025

Meaning

A small dog of a certain toy spaniel breed having large upright ears with a shape that resembles butterfly wings.

Etymology

Origin: Latin

From French papillon (“butterfly”), from Latin pāpiliō (“butterfly, moth”). Doublet of papilio and pavilion.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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