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
Recent Examples on the Web
In April and May, when temperatures are still cool enough to enjoy a soak, the forest surrounding the hotel fills with fireflies at dusk, making a delightful evening show.
—
Clarissa Wei, AFAR Media, 3 Feb. 2025
Karl Leitz Japan’s Firefly Squid Is Embraced by Chefs Stateside
Editors’ Picks
Image
Each spring, hotaru ika, or firefly squid, ascend to the surface of western Japan’s Toyama Bay to spawn, setting the water aglow with pinpricks of electric blue light.
—New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Congaree National Park See synchronous fireflies put on a limited-time performance
Kingville, South Carolina
Each spring, this park’s resident fireflies create a magnificent display deep in its dense hardwood forest.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025
Late March-early April: Enter the lottery for a ticket to visit nearby Congaree National Park in South Carolina during its immensely popular synchronous fireflies viewing event in May-June.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for firefly
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Clarissa Wei, AFAR Media, 3 Feb. 2025
Karl Leitz Japan’s Firefly Squid Is Embraced by Chefs Stateside
Editors’ Picks
Image
Each spring, hotaru ika, or firefly squid, ascend to the surface of western Japan’s Toyama Bay to spawn, setting the water aglow with pinpricks of electric blue light.
—New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Congaree National Park See synchronous fireflies put on a limited-time performance
Kingville, South Carolina
Each spring, this park’s resident fireflies create a magnificent display deep in its dense hardwood forest.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025
Late March-early April: Enter the lottery for a ticket to visit nearby Congaree National Park in South Carolina during its immensely popular synchronous fireflies viewing event in May-June.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for firefly
Articles Related to firefly
Cite this Entry
“Firefly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firefly. Accessed 23 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share