hairstreak

noun

hair·​streak ˈher-ˌstrēk 

: any of a subfamily (Theclinae of the family Lycaenidae) of small butterflies usually having striped markings on the underside of the wings and thin filamentous projections from the hind wings

Examples of hairstreak in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Spring is a prime time for bird-watching and spotting several hairstreak butterfly species. — Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026

Oaks are favored by the California sister, golden hairstreak and mournful duskywing. — Sara Okeefe, Mercury News, 17 Nov. 2025

So rather than tract housing, the prairies are home to rare and unusual plants and insects, such as the Acadian hairstreak, bunchgrass skipper and dusky wing butterflies. — Paul Eisenberg, chicagotribune.com, 27 Sep. 2020

Last summer, the elusive white-letter hairstreak butterfly was spotted in Scotland for the first time in 133 years. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 19 Feb. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hairstreak

• antique
• batik
• bespeak
• boutique
• cacique
• comique
• critique
• grosbeak
• midweek
• mystique
• oblique
• physique

Kids Definition

hairstreak

noun

hair·​streak -ˌstrēk 

: any of various small butterflies with hairlike tails sticking out from the hind wings