dragonfly

[ drag-uhn-flahy ]

noun

, plural drag·on·flies.

1. any of numerous stout-bodied, nonstinging insects of the order Odonata (suborder Anisoptera), the species of which prey on mosquitoes and other insects and are distinguished from the damselflies by having the wings outstretched rather than folded when at rest.
2. Dragonfly, Military. a two-seat, twin-turbojet U.S. attack aircraft in service since 1967, armed with a Minigun and capable of carrying nearly 5700 pounds (2585 kilograms) of ordnance.

dragonfly

/ ˈdræɡənˌflaɪ /

noun

1. any predatory insect of the suborder Anisoptera, having a large head and eyes, a long slender body, two pairs of iridescent wings that are outspread at rest, and aquatic larvae: order Odonata See also damselfly
2. any other insect of the order Odonata

Word History and Origins

Origin of dragonfly¹

First recorded in 1620–30; dragon + fly ¹

Example Sentences

He’s started dressing in oversized designer T-shirts, massive shearling coats, and a slim suit with dragonflies on it—with matching dragonfly shoes.

From Slate

A dragonfly lands on a plant near one of the yard’s water features.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s using plain old minnows in his pond for now to deter mosquitoes because he was worried that dragonfly larvae would eat his tiny fish.

From Los Angeles Times

A dragonfly lands on a plant near one of the yard’s water features.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s using plain old minnows in his pond for now to deter mosquitoes because he was worried that dragonfly larvae would eat his tiny fish.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ant
• aphid
• bee
• beetle
• butterfly
• cockroach
• flea
• fruit fly
• gnat
• grasshopper
• ladybug
• mite
• mosquito
• moth
• pest
• spider
• termite
• tick