# dragonfly

/dɹˈæɡənflˌaɪ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dragonfly
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a large insect with a long, thin body and four wings that look like glass. You often see them flying quickly near water like ponds or rivers.

For teachers: a predatory insect of the order Odonata, characterised by a long body, large multifaceted eyes, and two pairs of strong, transparent wings. Typically found near freshwater habitats where they hunt other insects in flight.

## Examples

- A bright blue dragonfly landed on the leaf.
- We watched a dragonfly hover over the surface of the pond before darting away at high speed.
- The fossil record indicates that prehistoric ancestors of the modern dragonfly reached wingspans of over two feet, though their basic physiological structure has remained remarkably consistent over millions of years.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.