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crane fly

noun

Definition of crane fly

: any of a family (Tipulidae) of long-legged slender dipteran flies that resemble large mosquitoes but do not bite

Examples of crane fly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Kramer writes, to impressive effect: Britain is home to some 326 crane fly species in all, including T. paludosa. — National Geographic, "U.K. Braces for a Massive Explosion of Flies," 12 Sep. 2016 Named for their slender, dangling legs, crane flies live life in an amorous whirlwind. — National Geographic, "U.K. Braces for a Massive Explosion of Flies," 12 Sep. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'crane fly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of crane fly

1658, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for crane fly

crane fly

noun

English Language Learners Definition of crane fly

British : a type of fly that has a long thin body, two wings, and long legs

See the full definition for crane fly in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on crane fly

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with crane fly

Britannica English: Translation of crane fly for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crane fly

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