firefly

noun

fire·​fly ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌflī How to pronounce firefly (audio)
: any of various winged nocturnal beetles (especially family Lampyridae) that produce a bright soft intermittent light by oxidation of luciferin especially for courtship purposes

Illustration of firefly

Illustration of firefly

Examples of firefly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There was no better promise of the upcoming months of lakeside walks, dewy mornings in the garden, and twilights spent chasing fireflies to the soundtrack of peeping tree frogs. Lily Stewart, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 May 2024 Orange lights are strewn among the property’s towering trees, illuminating the nights like fireflies. Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for firefly 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'firefly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1655, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of firefly was in 1655

Dictionary Entries Near firefly

Cite this Entry

“Firefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firefly. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

firefly

noun
fire·​fly ˈfī(ə)r-ˌflī How to pronounce firefly (audio)
: any of numerous night-flying beetles that produce a bright soft flashing light for courtship purposes

More from Merriam-Webster on firefly

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