lightning bug

noun

1. firefly.

lightning bug

noun

1. another name for the firefly

Word History and Origins

Origin of lightning bug¹

An Americanism dating back to 1770–80

Example Sentences

In reality it is only the female which is the lightning bug, for the male is not equipped with any lighting power.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a rare kind, and I almost had one when a mosquito bit me and I had to let the lightning-bug go.

From Project Gutenberg

I want to get a new specimen of a lightning-bug I noticed in the garden.

From Project Gutenberg

Long and narrow, it looked like a kalsomined cave illumined by a lightning bug in a bottle when he turned the electric switch.

From Project Gutenberg

"Nothing doing on the carpenter's bench," he said, flashing the "lightning bug" toward the site of the engine house.

From Project Gutenberg