Use libellule for the insect with swift, agile flight; avoid applying it to other insects or to describe speed alone.
Use libellule for the insect with swift, agile flight; avoid applying it to other insects or to describe speed alone.
The term is often confused with a fast insect, leading to sentences like Nous avons étudié les libellules rapides instead of Nous avons étudié les libellules.
What does libellule mean?
Libellule is the French word for dragonfly, a fast‑flying insect with large transparent wings.
How do you pronounce libellule?
Libellule is pronounced /li.bɛ.lyl/ in French.
Is a libellule the same as a dragonfly?
Yes, libellule translates to dragonfly, though it can also refer to a damselfly in some contexts.
Can libellule be used to describe speed?
No, using libellule to mean “fast” is a mistake; the word only names the insect.
What family does a libellule belong to?
Libellule belongs to the order Odonata, which includes dragonflies and damselflies.
Are there plural forms for libellule?
The plural is libellules, used when referring to multiple insects.