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Definition of firefly

firefly

/ˈfaɪɚˌflaɪ/
fire · fly
Plural:fireflies
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firefly Lexical Profile

firefly Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A nocturnal winged beetle of the family Lampyridae, characterized by a bioluminescent organ in the lower abdomen that produces flashes of light to attract mates or prey.

Example

"On warm summer nights, the children loved to run through the meadow and catch fireflies in glass jars."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for firefly

• Nearby Words

firecracker plant
firecrest
firefinch
firefly
fireplace
firethorn
fireweed

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century as a compound of 'fire' and 'fly', referring to the insect's ability to produce bioluminescent light.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Firefly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/firefly
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