Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Firefly

//ˈfaɪ.əˌflaɪ// name, noun

Definitions

Proper Noun
  1. 1
    A locality in the MidCoast council area, eastern New South Wales, Australia.
Noun
  1. 1
    Any beetle of the family Lampyridae, which exhibit bioluminescence during twilight. Florida, Northern-US, US, Western

    "2000, Exploring Life Science, 2: Bats—Cave Life, Marshall Cavendish, page 96, Fireflies are the best-known insects that produce light. […] Many fireflies use their light to communicate, particularly at mating time when males and females have to get together."

  2. 2
    nocturnal beetle common in warm regions having luminescent abdominal organs wordnet
  3. 3
    tropical American click beetle having bright luminous spots wordnet

Etymology

From fire + fly, because the insects glow; whence also lightning bug. Compare glow fly, glowworm, and lanternfly.

See also for "firefly"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: firefly