shadfly
Americannoun
-
shadflies
plural
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of shadfly
An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; so called because they hatch at the time of year when shad are running
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We met with shadflies midway, about a mile from the shore, and they evidently fly over the whole lake.
From Canoeing in the wilderness by Henry David Thoreau
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
