damselfly

[ dam-zuhl-flahy ]

noun

, plural dam·sel·flies.

1. any of numerous slender, nonstinging insects of the order Odonata (suborder Zygoptera), distinguished from the dragonflies by having the wings folded back in line with the body when at rest.

damselfly

/ ˈdæmzəlˌflaɪ /

noun

1. any insect of the suborder Zygoptera similar to but smaller than dragonflies and usually resting with the wings closed over the back: order Odonata

Word History and Origins

Origin of damselfly¹

First recorded in 1805–15; damsel + fly ¹