firefly

noun

fire·​fly ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌflī How to pronounce firefly (audio)
: any of various winged nocturnal beetles (especially family Lampyridae) that produce a bright soft intermittent light by oxidation of luciferin especially for courtship purposes

Illustration of firefly

Illustration of firefly

Examples of firefly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rangers lead synchronous firefly viewing tours in the late summer to help travelers safely watch as nature’s magic unfolds. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026 The fireflies thrive in hardwood forest environments, like Grandfather Mountain. Eva Flowe may 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026 After dinner, kids ran on the main lawn catching fireflies. Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Midwest Living, 6 May 2026 The rooms Guest room hallways preview the property’s design point of view: blonde wood floors, blue-and-white striped carpet, and sage doors topped with brass knockers shaped like clams, crabs, fireflies, seahorses, and more. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for firefly

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of firefly was in 1655

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Firefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firefly. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

firefly

noun
fire·​fly ˈfī(ə)r-ˌflī How to pronounce firefly (audio)
: any of numerous night-flying beetles that produce a bright soft flashing light for courtship purposes

More from Merriam-Webster on firefly

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster