Definition

Noun A type of white butterfly whose caterpillars (known as cabbageworms) are a common pest that feeds on plants in the cabbage family, such as cabbage, broccoli, and kale.

Usage

The term "cabbage butterfly" is used to refer specifically to these pest insects in gardening, farming, and entomological contexts. It is a common name, not a scientific one.

Examples

• The cabbage butterfly laid its eggs on the underside of the broccoli leaves.
• Gardeners often use nets to protect their crops from the cabbage butterfly.
• We saw a few white cabbage butterflies fluttering near the vegetable patch.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used to describe the damage caused: "The cabbage butterfly infestation ruined the entire crop."
• It can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe related things: "cabbage butterfly larvae" or "cabbage butterfly control."

Variants and Related Words

• Cabbageworm (noun): The larval (caterpillar) stage of the cabbage butterfly, which is the actual pest that eats the plants.
• Pieris rapae (noun): The scientific name for one of the most common species referred to as the small white or cabbage white butterfly.

Synonyms

• Cabbage white (This is a more precise common name for the most widespread species, ).

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is zoological/agricultural, identifying a specific insect pest.
• The name directly indicates its association with cabbage-family plants ().

Noun

1. white butterfly whose larvae (cabbageworms) feed on cabbage