firefly

[ fahyuhr-flahy ]

noun

, plural fire·flies.

1. any nocturnal beetle of the family Lampyridae, characterized by a soft body with a light-producing organ at the rear of the abdomen.

firefly

/ ˈfaɪəˌflaɪ /

noun

1. any nocturnal beetle of the family Lampyridae , common in warm and tropical regions, having luminescent abdominal organs See also glow-worm
2. any tropical American click beetle of the genus Pyrophorus , esp P. noctiluca , that have luminescent thoracic organs

Word History and Origins

Origin of firefly¹

First recorded in 1650–60; fire + fly ¹

Example Sentences

Exodus became a dangerous trail of taillights flickering through the dust like fading fireflies, and camps across the playa feared they’d be stuck breaking down until the end of the week.

From Los Angeles Times

Around Viola’s felled tree, lamplights of historical knowledge flicker like electrified fireflies.

From Los Angeles Times

As we dip into the bayou, the scene before us feels a tad mystical, all glowing fireflies with hues of blue and purple seeping through the trees.

From Los Angeles Times

The problem is, some can harm bees, butterflies, moths and fireflies.

From New York Times

She recently handed out brochures promoting the town’s beach resorts, waterfalls, a historic lighthouse, a crocodile-shaped island and an area that teems with fireflies.

From Seattle Times