: any of a suborder (Anisoptera) of odonate insects that are larger and stouter than damselflies, hold the wings horizontal in repose, and have rectal gills during the naiad stage
Recent Examples on the WebIn the summer, lily pads dot the water’s surface and colorful dragonflies flit about.—Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Mar. 2024 In downtown Fort Worth, at the confluence of the Trinity’s West Fork and Clear Fork, naturalists have documented 57 species of butterflies and moths, 24 kinds of fish, 23 species of dragonflies and damsel flies, 49 species of birds, and 35 types of ants, wasps and bees.—Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2024 And while there are many images of childhood (dinosaurs, mud, dragonflies, a swing set and a trampoline) reminiscent of, say, Christopher Robin, the song may be about co-writer Aaron Dessner's son Robin.—Bryan West, USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024 And thriving in these flammable forests were eight-foot-long millipedes and hawk-sized dragonfly relatives.—Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dragonfly
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dragonfly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
: any of a group of large harmless insects that have four long wings held horizontal and sticking out instead of folded to the side next to the body when at rest and that feed especially on flies, gnats, and mosquitoes compare damselfly
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