Illustration of firefly
firefly
noun
fire·fly
ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌflī 
: any of various winged nocturnal beetles (especially family Lampyridae) that produce a bright soft intermittent light by oxidation of luciferin especially for courtship purposes
Examples of firefly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are majestic overhead views, grand Pacific sunsets, houses tucked among surrounding forests, their lights showing like fireflies through the foliage.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
Check out our list of where to see fireflies this summer.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
In the world of fireflies, that quiet is called the larval stage.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
There are small plates like firefly squid and braised rabbit.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for firefly
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Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
Check out our list of where to see fireflies this summer.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
In the world of fireflies, that quiet is called the larval stage.
—Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026
There are small plates like firefly squid and braised rabbit.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for firefly
Cite this Entry
“Firefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firefly. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
firefly
noun
fire·fly
ˈfī(ə)r-ˌflī
: any of numerous night-flying beetles that produce a bright soft flashing light for courtship purposes
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