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Dragonfly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A dragonfly is a flying insect with a long, slender body and large, transparent wings. It is known for its swift, agile flight and is often found near water. Dragonflies are beneficial predators that eat mosquitoes and other small insects.

dragonfly

/ˈdræɡənˌflaɪ/ /ˈdræɡənˌflaɪ/

Definition:

A flying insect with a long body and large transparent wings, often found near water.

Synonyms:

darning needle, devil's darning needle, mosquito hawk

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

(none commonly recognized)

Common Collocations:

hovering dragonfly, dragonfly wings, dragonfly larvae, colorful dragonfly

Derivatives:

dragonflies, dragonfly-like

Usage Tips:

Use "dragonfly" to describe the insect; avoid confusing it with damselflies, which are smaller and fold their wings differently.

Common Phrases:

swift as a dragonfly, dragonfly effect, eyes of a dragonfly

Etymology:

From Old English "draca" (dragon) + "flēoge" (fly), referring to its mythical appearance.

Examples:

  • 1. The dragonfly landed on the pond’s edge.
  • 2. Children love watching the colorful dragonfly dart around the garden.
  • 3. A dragonfly’s wings shimmer in the sunlight as it hovers.
  • 4. The pond is full of tiny fish and darting dragonflies.

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