dragonfly

noun

drag·​on·​fly ˈdra-gən-ˌflī 

: 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

broadly : odonate

Illustration of dragonfly

Examples of dragonfly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The best part was the crew of dragonflies that danced around the summit. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

For the last week or two there have been dozens and dozens of dragonflies buzzing around. — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026

Ortega also said fully recreating natural conditions for the dragonflies would be very difficult if not impossible. — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

Artist Skye Walker painted a mural featuring the school mascot — a dragonfly — on the exterior of one building. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dragonfly

noun

drag·​on·​fly -ˌflī 

: 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