Illustration of firefly
firefly
noun
fire·fly
ˈfī(-ə)r-ˌflī 
: any of various winged nocturnal beetles (especially family Lampyridae) that produce a bright soft intermittent light by oxidation of luciferin especially for courtship purposes
Examples of firefly in a Sentence
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Scientists have now discovered a fascinating new example – some spiders have been seen manipulating fireflies’ flashes to attract more bugs to their webs.
—
New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2024
After reportedly leaving to go to catch fireflies, Morgan was never seen again.
—Liam Quinn, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024
Political statements by pop music stars usually have the cultural half-life of a firefly.
—Penny Abeywardena, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024
The Bethany Beach firefly isn’t the only one that has been targeted for protection.
—Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Oct. 2024
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New Atlas, 31 Dec. 2024
After reportedly leaving to go to catch fireflies, Morgan was never seen again.
—Liam Quinn, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024
Political statements by pop music stars usually have the cultural half-life of a firefly.
—Penny Abeywardena, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024
The Bethany Beach firefly isn’t the only one that has been targeted for protection.
—Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for firefly
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Dictionary Entries Near firefly
Cite this Entry
“Firefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firefly. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
firefly
noun
fire·fly
ˈfī(ə)r-ˌflī
: any of numerous night-flying beetles that produce a bright soft flashing light for courtship purposes
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