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

The somersaults seem to be a byproduct of the dragonfly flicking its tail to get rid of excess water. —Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 13 Jan. 2025

Participants will be given a glimpse inside the state’s first facility dedicated to raising freshwater mussels, federally endangered Hine’s emerald dragonflies and other aquatic species, district officials said in a news release. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025

Researchers found that 24 percent of ––including dragonflies, fish, and crustaceans––are vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered due to multiple environmental threats. —Shannon McDonagh, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025

It's painted like the Magic School Bus with beetles on the door and a dragonfly along the tail. —Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 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