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 insects and their eggs are also a food source for other insects like dragonflies, as well as birds, bats and fish. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 19 June 2026

Edwards, 20, one of the preschool teachers, led the art lesson for children to make dragonflies. — William J. Ford, Baltimore Sun, 25 May 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

Here, a morning coffee on the sea-view private sun terrace comes complete with diving swifts and droning dragonflies, not to mention the sound of pulling tides. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 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