damselfly

noun

dam·​sel·​fly ˈdam-zəl-ˌflī How to pronounce damselfly (audio)
: any of numerous odonate insects (suborder Zygoptera) distinguished from dragonflies by laterally projecting eyes and usually stalked wings folded above the body when at rest

Examples of damselfly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Look into my eyes by Pete Burford Being cold-blooded, damselflies and other insects cannot generate their own body heat. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 July 2024 The Presidio Trust, a federal agency that manages the park, has repopulated the coastal landscape with turtles, newts and damselflies that once lived there. Dino Grandoni, Washington Post, 15 July 2024 Photographer Pete Burford was outside at 2 a.m., looking for resting damselflies in the United Kingdom. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 July 2024 Emotions missing during the six months of pandemic—spontaneity, hope, joy—flitted like damselflies over the millpond. Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 5 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for damselfly 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'damselfly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of damselfly was in 1815

Dictionary Entries Near damselfly

Cite this Entry

“Damselfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/damselfly. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

damselfly

noun
dam·​sel·​fly -ˌflī How to pronounce damselfly (audio)
: any of a group of insects that are closely related to the dragonflies, have eyes which stick out on the sides, and fold the wings above the body when at rest compare dragonfly

More from Merriam-Webster on damselfly

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