firefly

American  

[fahyuhr-flahy] / ˈfaɪərˌflaɪ /

noun

plural

fireflies

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

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firefly British  

/ ˈfaɪəˌflaɪ /

noun

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

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

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Etymology

Origin of firefly

First recorded in 1650–60; fire + fly ¹

Example Sentences

As Akira watched, red embers floated out over the lake like fireflies.

From Literature

Thoughts began swirling in my mind like fireflies in a mason jar.

From Literature

A tiny firefly has landed on Autumn’s nose, shining golden light right onto her face.

From Literature

Wildflowers flashed like fireflies in the brooding jungle of “Floral Entrapment II,” which artist Ema Ri made by applying paint with their hands and nails.

From The Wall Street Journal

The herd strolled out to graze under the stars, the children ran out to chase fireflies, and sometimes even Mr. Shareef stepped out to stretch his stiff legs.

From Literature