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 carved out a narrow ditch between the cliff and steps, and that became a recirculating stream that flows into a little marsh full of frogs, butterflies and dragonflies.

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

After the eggs hatch, the male will take his youngsters to a nearby pond and teach them how to catch prey by snagging dragonflies.

From Seattle Times

These conditions preserved fossils in incredible detail, capturing delicate structures like dragonfly wings and even a dinosaur feather.

From New York Times

I watch a brown trout mistake the flitting shadow of a dragonfly for the thing itself and dart to the surface.

From Literature

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