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

Much of the prior research on dragonfly interactions relied on visual observations or single-camera recordings. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2026

The report noted that various groups have made a habit of consuming beetles, caterpillars, wasps, mealworms, and dragonflies. — David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026

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

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

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