Illustration of dragonfly
dragonfly
noun
drag·on·fly
ˈdra-gən-ˌflī 
: any of a suborder (Anisoptera) of odonate insects that are larger and stouter than damselflies, hold the wings horizontal in repose, and have rectal gills during the naiad stage
broadly
: odonate
Examples of dragonfly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Small fish can be seen swimming in the creek from their yard, with numerous butterflies and dragonflies on the stream's banks.
—
Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 18 July 2025
The network doesn’t just focus on the glamorous insects such as butterflies, bees and dragonflies.
—Madeline Bodin, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
The set includes four 10-inch dinner plates, four 8.5-inch salad plates, and four cereal bowls — each decorated with a whimsical watercolor design featuring flowering branches and dragonflies.
—Maggie Horton, People.com, 27 June 2025
Even its surroundings reflect her dual passions: giant public art pieces by Lisbon street art icon Bordalo II dot the campus, including a now-iconic chipmunk and dragonfly.
—Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dragonfly
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 18 July 2025
The network doesn’t just focus on the glamorous insects such as butterflies, bees and dragonflies.
—Madeline Bodin, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025
The set includes four 10-inch dinner plates, four 8.5-inch salad plates, and four cereal bowls — each decorated with a whimsical watercolor design featuring flowering branches and dragonflies.
—Maggie Horton, People.com, 27 June 2025
Even its surroundings reflect her dual passions: giant public art pieces by Lisbon street art icon Bordalo II dot the campus, including a now-iconic chipmunk and dragonfly.
—Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dragonfly
Cite this Entry
“Dragonfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dragonfly. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share