any predatory insect of the suborder Anisoptera, having a large head and eyes, a long slender body, two pairs of iridescent wings that are outspread at rest, and aquatic larvae: order Odonata
See also damselfly
2.
any other insect of the order Odonata
Examples of 'dragonflies' in a sentence
dragonflies
There's nothing here that gives them gooseflesh: just flowers and dragonflies.
Clive Barker COLDHEART CANYON (2001)
Meanwhile, there were plenty of things that did come: flies, dragonflies, humming-birds, all flitting around.
Clive Barker COLDHEART CANYON (2001)
Damselflies, mayflies and dragonflies dart from lily pad to iris leaf.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Butterflies and dragonflies coasted through the steamy, still air.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Brown hawkers are easily distinguished from other dragonflies by their glowing orange wings.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Two of the larger dragonflies are now out and about.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
There are dancing dragonflies folding their wings after the briefest of courtships.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Butterflies and dragonflies can be spotted flitting above the reeds.