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

But as with Magnan’s garden tour, the appearances that touched me most deeply were those of the dragonfly that’s become the hotel’s visual identity. —Ann Abel, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

In a post on Instagram, they were seen in all-black outfits with Zuckerberg wearing a black suit with gold dragonfly embellishments and a black shirt while Chan dazzled in a black dress with decorative gold flowers. —Raven Brunner, Peoplemag, 13 Aug. 2024

Gregg says there’s nothing to fear about a dragonfly swarm. —Amber Ferguson, Washington Post, 29 July 2024

As for why so many dragonflies end up in Milwaukee, eastward winds push the dragonflies toward Lake Michigan during their migration, Jackson said. —Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 4 Sep. 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