Definition of firefly
: any of various winged nocturnal beetles (especially family Lampyridae) that produce a bright soft intermittent light by oxidation of luciferin especially for courtship purposes
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Recent Examples of firefly from the Web
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The dancing of the slinky-like Creatura, the juggling firefly and the high-jumping crickets were my kids’ favorites, along with the fun Brazilian music and the confetti-filled finale of the show.
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When the fireflies come out, relax on the porch of a 1930s-style sharecroppers’ cottage at The Shack Up Inn on Hopson Plantation, where blues and rock musicians all jam.
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The Fox Valley Park District will host a program on fireflies at Lippold Park in Batavia Saturday.
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The kids will be able to catch and release fireflies.
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The program celebrates the summertime tradition of catching fireflies, enjoying their glow and setting them free, district official said.
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Alexis also sensed that this was not something Serena ever got to do as a worldwide celebrity, so much of her life being about regimen and glamorous scenes where acolytes circled like fireflies.
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Alexis also sensed that this was not something Serena ever got to do as a worldwide celebrity, so much of her life being about regimen and glamorous scenes where acolytes circled like fireflies.
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During Tebow’s stint with the Low-A Columbia (S.C.) Fireflies, attendance was up nearly 40 percent from a year ago to an average of 5,230, best in the South Atlantic League.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'firefly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of firefly
First Known Use of firefly
1655
FIREFLY Defined for English Language Learners
firefly
playDefinition of firefly for English Language Learners
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: a small flying insect that produces a soft light
FIREFLY Defined for Kids
firefly
playDefinition of firefly for Students
fireflies
: a small beetle producing a soft light
Learn More about firefly
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See words that rhyme with firefly Spanish Central: Translation of firefly Nglish: Translation of firefly for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of firefly for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about firefly
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