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

Surprisingly, most of a dragonfly’s life is spent underwater in nymph form. —Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 8 June 2025

Guys on mopeds are whizzing around the backstreets like dragonflies. —Daisy Jones, Vogue, 30 May 2025

Preserving and restoring water resources such as wetlands, lakes and streams is vital for aquatic insects like dragonflies. —Christopher Halsch, The Conversation, 8 May 2025

In a sign of past becoming present, and of what is allowed, the show included large mobiles reminiscent of childhood toys, with dragonflies made from old artillery shells, resting in perfect equilibrium. —Damien Cave, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

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