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

One of the dragonfly brooches has a very special feature: its wings flutter when someone walks by it. —Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 21 June 2024

Water bugs and dragonflies are predators in both juvenile and adult stages, for example, and a great natural pest control. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 13 June 2024

The committee will also hear testimony on proposals to designate the lollipop as the state candy, as well as dueling bills proposing the autumn meadow dragonfly or the spring azure butterfly as the state’s insect. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2024

In the summer, lily pads dot the water’s surface and colorful dragonflies flit about. —Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Mar. 2024

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