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

Scorpions and other giant arthropods, including early versions of dragonflies and millipedes, lived some 50 million years later, Howard explained. —Shraddha Chakradhar, CNN Money, 10 June 2026

The red and orange flowers of trumpet vine act as hummingbird magnets, and an artificial water feature mimicking a wetland habitat provides respite to frogs and dragonflies. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 8 June 2026

The silence of the canyon mouth was replaced by the soft rush of a creek, bird songs, and the constant cacophony of dragonflies and gnats. —Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 7 June 2026

Other features of the project include a calm sensory space in a garden, an edible garden and design inspired by the wings of a dragonfly. —Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 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