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noun

dragonfly

DRA-guhn-fleye

Dragonfly (noun) means a flying insect with a long, slender body and two pairs of transparent wings held out flat at rest. Example: “A dragonfly hovered above the pond in the summer heat.”

noun
1
A flying insect with a long, slender body and two pairs of transparent wings held out flat at rest.
"A dragonfly hovered above the pond in the summer heat."

How to use dragonfly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA fast-flying insect often seen near water, with a long body and shimmering wings.

Common pairings
dragonfly larvae dragonfly wings

Word forms

dragonflies plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ hovered above the pond in the summer heat.

Etymology

From dragon + fly, likely referencing its fierce hunting style compared to the mythical creature.

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Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “dragonfly” mean?

The word “dragonfly” means a flying insect with a long, slender body and two pairs of transparent wings held out flat at rest. In plain terms, a fast-flying insect often seen near water, with a long body and shimmering wings.

How do you pronounce “dragonfly”?

“Dragonfly” is pronounced DRA-guhn-fleye (/ˈdɹæɡənˌflaɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “dragonfly” in a sentence?

Here is “dragonfly” used in a sentence: “A dragonfly hovered above the pond in the summer heat.”

What part of speech is “dragonfly”?

“Dragonfly” is a noun.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial