Dragonfly
/ˈdræɡ.ən.flaɪ/noun
A slender flying insect with large eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body.
Did you know?The name dragonfly is a relatively late English folk name; in older traditions, these insects were sometimes linked to danger or omen-like imagery, which helped their mythic reputation stick.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
draca
“dragon, serpent, monstrous reptile”
Middle English
ME
dragon
“dragon, serpent, fabulous monster”
Middle English
ME
dragon-fly
“a dragon-like flying insect”
Modern English
English
dragonfly
“a large predatory flying insect”