noun
Uncommon
firefly
FEYE-uh-fleye
Firefly (noun) means a small beetle that glows in the dark, especially at dusk. Example: “The kids ran through the yard catching fireflies in jars.”
noun
1
A small beetle that glows in the dark, especially at dusk.
"The kids ran through the yard catching fireflies in jars."
"On summer evenings the field lit up with fireflies."
How to use firefly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA glowing beetle seen on summer nights.
Common pairings
catch fireflies
firefly glow
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like firefly.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- fireflies
Etymology
A compound of fire and fly, named for the insect's glow; related terms include lightning bug and glowworm.
Synonyms
View more →
fire beetle
lightning bug
Rhymes for firefly
See all rhymes for firefly →Frequently asked questions
What does “firefly” mean?
The word “firefly” means a small beetle that glows in the dark, especially at dusk. In plain terms, a glowing beetle seen on summer nights.
How do you pronounce “firefly”?
“Firefly” is pronounced FEYE-uh-fleye (/ˈfaɪ.ɚˌflaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “firefly” in a sentence?
Here is “firefly” used in a sentence: “The kids ran through the yard catching fireflies in jars.”
What part of speech is “firefly”?
“Firefly” is a noun.
Is “firefly” a common word?
“Firefly” is an uncommon word in modern English.
