dragonfly

noun drag·on·fly \ ˈdra-gən-ˌflī \

Definition of dragonfly

: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

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Recent Examples of dragonfly from the Web

Some of the tadpoles are gobbled up by aquatic insects and dragonfly nymphs.

— carolyn wilke, sacbee, "This colorful frog’s survival is at risk in California’s streams. Here’s how the state could save it," 17 Aug. 2017
Over the course of the summer, the interns performed dragonfly and snake surveys, monitored water quality, removed invasive plants and built trails.

— jordan c. axelson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Internship offers window into environmental conservation careers," 12 Aug. 2017
Hubick also noted the photo contributions of Bonnie Ott, an Ellicott City resident, and Richard Orr, an expert on dragonflies and damselflies who lives in Columbia.

— janene holzberg, baltimoresun.com, "In search of new species at Howard County Conservancy’s ‘BioBlitz’," 3 Aug. 2017
Apopka and two other kites released soared to the nearby smorgasbord of dragonflies, frogs and other foraging delights at Lake Apopka before their big trip.

— kevin spear, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Swallow-tailed kite named 'Apopka' migrates with virtual companionship," 3 Aug. 2017
The red ants open the show with a precise, jaw-dropping, foot-juggling act; then a dragonfly performs an amazing hand-balancing act that had my kids both oooh-ing and ew-ing at his strength and flexibility.

— jennifer jhon, South Florida Parenting, "Jumping, juggling bugs captivate children at 'Ovo'," 14 July 2017
Near a window overlooking the grounds outside the arboretum's Thornhill Education Center was his favorite piece: a relief of hummingbirds and dragonflies among a bed of flowers.

— suzanne baker, Naperville Sun, "Man's talent comes out of the woodwork," 8 July 2017
A dragonfly belt clasp gave a silk bustier dress in ochre a magical quality.

— thomas adamson, Detroit Free Press, "Art mixes with the aquatic for Paris Couture Week," 3 July 2017
Metallic-blue dragonflies cavorted above the pondweed at lake’s edge, zooming in and out of sight like glimpses of neon seen from a speeding car.

— brian j. cantwell, The Seattle Times, "A Hike and a Happy Hour: Explore splendid Camano Island and its new Naked City pub," 7 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dragonfly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of dragonfly

First Known Use of dragonfly

1626

DRAGONFLY Defined for English Language Learners

dragonfly

noun

Definition of dragonfly for English Language Learners

: a large insect that has a long thin body and four wings and that is often seen near water

DRAGONFLY Defined for Kids

dragonfly

noun drag·on·fly \ ˈdra-gən-ˌflī \

Definition of dragonfly for Students

plural dragonflies

:a large insect with a long slender body and four wings

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See words that rhyme with dragonfly Spanish Central: Translation of dragonfly Nglish: Translation of dragonfly for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dragonfly

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dragonfly

Definition of dragonfly

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dragonfly

Definition of dragonfly for English Language Learners

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dragonfly

Definition of dragonfly for Students

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