firefly

[ fahyuhr-flahy ]

/ ˈfaɪərˌflaɪ /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for firefly on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural fire·flies.

any nocturnal beetle of the family Lampyridae, characterized by a soft body with a light-producing organ at the rear of the abdomen.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also called glowfly, lightning bug.

Compare glowworm.

Origin of firefly

First recorded in 1650–60; fire + fly¹

Words nearby firefly

fire extinguisher, firefight, firefighter, firefighting, fireflood, firefly, fire gilding, fireguard, fire hall, fire hat, firehorse

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use firefly in a sentence

Ecology graduate researcher Kelly Ridenhour drives all over the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia at dusk in search of the eastern firefly known as the “Big Dipper.”
Driving with a firefly researcher on Continental CrossContact LX25 tires|Continental Tire|October 12, 2021|Popular-Science
A father-son backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon is an introduction to adventure In the Great Smoky Mountains, fireflies have become a source of tourism — and solace
Locals are working to restore coral reefs in beloved travel destinations. You can help.|Sunny Fitzgerald|September 30, 2021|Washington Post
It’s about as easy as looking for the single blink of a firefly in the middle of a motorway, using only a handheld phone.
Scientists discovered four new Earth-sized rogue planets with no suns|Monroe Hammond|July 7, 2021|Popular-Science
His gentle landscapes depict fields, sheltering forests and neighbors who are mostly cows, fireflies and the occasional dog.
In the galleries: Breaching the border between art and furniture|Mark Jenkins|March 12, 2021|Washington Post

For the sea firefly — which uses glowing trails to attract mates — a small increase could give it a sexy advantage.
Ocean acidification may make some species glow brighter|Bethany Brookshire|January 11, 2021|Science News
From Firefly to Pushing Daisies to Freaks and Geeks, the intensity of fan support has attempted to save or revive genre shows.
A Fan Night Out: The Return of Veronica Mars|Scott Bixby|March 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, shares these mixed feelings.
The ‘Veronica Mars’ Kickstarter Smash: 5 Burning Questions|Kevin Fallon|March 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I would jump at an opportunity to do any kind of Firefly thing again.
TV's Next Great Leading Man|Kara Cutruzzula|March 9, 2009|DAILY BEAST
So, was it a coincidence you were Captain Hammer on Dr. Horrible and nicknamed Captain Tightpants on Firefly?
TV's Next Great Leading Man|Kara Cutruzzula|March 9, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Unfortunately, that devotion doesn't always translate into programs that stay on the air—just ask Firefly fans about that.
Will TV Slay Joss Whedon?|Joel Keller|January 28, 2009|DAILY BEAST
The ordinary firefly to which we are accustomed gives off a very much brighter light if placed in warm water.
The Wonder Book of Knowledge|Various
On a grassy bank we captured a firefly and shut him in between the glass and the face of our pocket compass.
Famous Adventures And Prison Escapes of the Civil War|Various
An erratic firefly wandered down from the overhanging branches, then commenced to dart from side to side near her head.
Menotah|Ernest G. Henham
And he wondered whether it might be a relation of Freddie Firefly.
The Tale of Chirpy Cricket|Arthur Scott Bailey
Well was it then for Martin Rattler that a friendly heart beat for him on board the Firefly.
Martin Rattler|R.M. Ballantyne

British Dictionary definitions for firefly

firefly

/ (ˈfaɪəˌflaɪ) /

noun plural -flies

any nocturnal beetle of the family Lampyridae, common in warm and tropical regions, having luminescent abdominal organsSee also glow-worm

any tropical American click beetle of the genus Pyrophorus, esp P. noctiluca, that have luminescent thoracic organs

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

firefly

Origin of firefly

Words nearby firefly

Words related to firefly

How to use firefly in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for firefly