crane fly

American  

noun

1. any of numerous nonbiting insects constituting the family Tipulidae, inhabiting damp areas and resembling a large mosquito with extremely long legs.

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crane fly British  

noun

1. Also called (Brit): daddy-longlegs.  any dipterous fly of the family Tipulidae, having long legs, slender wings, and a narrow body

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Other Word Forms

• crane-fly adjective

Etymology

Origin of crane fly

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

The behavior has been noted in related species of crane fly, and in other insect species, when predators grasp their legs.

From Science Magazine

Back then, the culprit was the European crane fly.

From Seattle Times

The artificial fall also overpowered the crane fly, stymied by its long legs and slow flying.

From Science Magazine

I sat in the driveway and watched the last few crane flies bob through the air.

From The Guardian

“That’s a crane fly. I have a lot of crane fly imitations.”

From Washington Times