butterflies in the stomach

NOUN

nervous stomach

Synonyms

WEAK

collywobbles dithers heart skipping a beat heebie-jeebies

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Look for the usual signs — heart beating faster; weakness; warmth; stiffness; a dry, constricted throat; rapid breathing; or butterflies in the stomach.

From Washington Post • Jan. 6, 2023

I can’t say there aren’t those butterflies in the stomach when you’re first going in.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2022

I’m not sure about you, but I have genuine butterflies in the stomach - not for any partisan reasons, but simply because it’s the World Cup!

From The Guardian • Sep. 21, 2019

For them, stepping back into the surf brings more than just butterflies in the stomach.

From Washington Times • Jun. 3, 2017

The Adam’s apple or the charley horse or the butterflies in the stomach.

From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff