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Dragonfly: meaning, definitions and examples

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dragonfly

 

[ ˈdræɡənflaɪ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

insect species

A dragonfly is an elongated insect that has two pairs of transparent wings and a long body. They are known for their impressive flying abilities and are often found near water bodies, where they breed and feed on smaller insects.

Synonyms

darning needle, devil's darning needle, snake doctor

Examples of usage

  • The dragonfly flitted gracefully over the pond.
  • In summer, many dragonflies can be seen near the lake.
  • She observed the dragonfly hovering over the flowers.
  • His artwork featured a beautiful dragonfly in vibrant colors.

Translations

Translations of the word "dragonfly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 libélula

🇮🇳 ड्रैगनफ़्लाई

🇩🇪 Libelle

🇮🇩 capung

🇺🇦 бабка

🇵🇱 ważka

🇯🇵 トンボ

🇫🇷 libellule

🇪🇸 libélula

🇹🇷 yusufçuk

🇰🇷 잠자리

🇸🇦 يعسوب

🇨🇿 vážka

🇸🇰 vážka

🇨🇳 蜻蜓

🇸🇮 kobilica

🇮🇸 drekafluga

🇰🇿 жыланбалық

🇬🇪 დრაკონისფრინველები

🇦🇿 cəngavər

🇲🇽 libélula

Word origin

The term 'dragonfly' originates from the Middle English 'drakone', which is derived from 'drake' meaning dragon, combined with 'fly'. This name likely reflects the insect's large size and impressive flying capabilities, resembling that of a dragon. The first recorded use of the term dates back to around the 14th century. Dragonflies belong to the order Odonata, which has existed for more than 300 million years, making them one of the oldest insect groups on the planet. They are often associated with water, as most species breed in aquatic environments. Their fascinating behavior and vivid colors have made them popular subjects in literature and art throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,728 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.