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

About eight to 10 different species account for the lakefront dragonfly swarms, according to Jackson. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 4 Sep. 2024

There’s a mounting sense of dread, and these dragonflies just kept crossing frame. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Aug. 2024

According to Storyful, thousands of dragonflies descended on Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, R.I., on July 27. —Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 29 July 2024

Casa Apocalyptica is full of salamanders, birds, dragonflies and koi amid native plants and soothing water features. —Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2024

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