dragonfly

IPA/ˈdræɡənflaɪ/
IPA/ˈdræɡənflaɪ/

dragonfly — noun

  • dragonflysingular
  • dragonfliesplural

1. a fast-flying insect with a narrow body and four clear wings, usually seen darti

1.nounA2
Definition

a fast-flying insect with a narrow body and four clear wings, usually seen darting above ponds, lakes, and streams.

Example

Sora watched a blue dragonfly hover above the pond beside the reeds.

hover above + place — common movement near water

A bright dragonfly landed on Kabir's fishing rod for a few seconds.

Common collocations
  • blue dragonfly
  • dragonfly wings
  • dragonfly nymph
  • dragonfly larvae

Grammar Patterns

a/the dragonfly + verb

Usage Note

Dragonfly is a countable noun. It usually refers to the larger insect that rests with its wings open; a damselfly is slimmer and often folds its wings together.

Common Mistakes

I saw a dragonfly folding its wings over its back like a needle.
I saw a damselfly folding its wings over its back like a needle.
dragonflies usually rest with their wings spread out, while damselflies often fold them together.

Common collocations

Nouns

  • dragonfly wings
  • dragonfly nymph
  • dragonfly larva

Phrases

  • watch a dragonfly
  • see dragonflies over water

Etymology

English

The word 'dragonfly' has been used in English since the early 1600s. The first part, 'dragon', probably comes from the insect's long body and quick, striking flight, while 'fly' simply names it as a winged insect. The name is descriptive rather than scientific.