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 Discover the monarch butterfly migration in Michoacán, the firefly sanctuary in Tlaxcala, and the Mayan ruins around the Yucatan — all from the museum’s 360-degree dome and exhibition halls. Have a wellness encounter. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2024 Closer to the surface, fireflies utilize bioluminescence for mating rituals, with unique light patterns serving as signals to attract mates. Scott Travers, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 As dusk fell in the garden, dozens of winking fireflies appeared. Jacey Fortin Mike Belleme, New York Times, 21 Oct. 2023 The chefs always began their recipes with lengthy anecdotes about childhood summers and catching fireflies at a lake house. Abigail Anthony, National Review, 21 Jan. 2024 Religious leaders and community activists said prayers while holding candles that glowed like fireflies in the winter chill. Ray Sanchez, CNN, 18 Feb. 2024 For a few weeks in April (again, timing depends on weather), the woods fill with thousands of blinking fireflies at dusk. Bonnie Gross, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Of course, like any world-famous wildlife phenomenon, the synchronous fireflies draw a huge crowd—meaning that visitors must first win a lottery ticket in order to visit. Jason Bittel, Travel, 22 Jan. 2024 The center will be shimmering with firefly lights in the trees and festive decor. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'firefly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of firefly was in 1655

Dictionary Entries Near firefly

Cite this Entry

“Firefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firefly. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

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