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Libélula means dragonfly — a common term in Beautiful Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: April 17, 2026

Beautiful Spanish

Libélula

noun • /[lee-BE-loo-la]/

dragonfly

Example:

Una libélula volaba sobre el lago.

A dragonfly flew over the lake.

🧠 What does Libélula mean?

A libélula is a type of flying insect belonging to the order Odonata, characterized by its two pairs of strong, transparent wings, a long, slender body, and large compound eyes. They are often found near bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, where their larvae develop. Libélulas are predatory insects, feeding on other insects like mosquitoes and flies, and are known for their agile flight capabilities. The term is also sometimes used poetically to describe something delicate and graceful.

📚 Extra examples

  • Una libélula de colores brillantes descansaba sobre una hoja junto al estanque.
    A brightly colored dragonfly rested on a leaf by the pond.
  • Los niños observaban fascinados el vuelo errático de las libélulas.
    The children watched the erratic flight of the dragonflies with fascination.
  • En verano, es común ver libélulas cerca de ríos y lagos.
    In summer, it is common to see dragonflies near rivers and lakes.
  • El estudio de las libélulas revela detalles sorprendentes sobre la aerodinámica.
    The study of dragonflies reveals surprising details about aerodynamics.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'libélula' comes from the Latin word 'libella', which means 'little balance' or 'little level', likely referring to the insect's delicate wings and balanced flight.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "Libélula"

Synonyms: aguajeta, matacaballo, doncella

🔍 See more beautiful spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'dragonfly' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'dragonfly' is libélula.
How do you pronounce 'Libélula' in Spanish?
Libélula is pronounced lee-beh-LOO-lah. The stress is on the second to last syllable, 'LOO'.
How do you use 'Libélula' in a sentence?
Libélula is a noun and is used to refer to the insect. For example: "Vi una libélula en el jardín."
What is the English translation of 'Libélula'?
The English translation of 'Libélula' is 'dragonfly'.
Does 'Libélula' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'libélula' is a feminine noun. In the singular, it is 'la libélula'. In the plural, it becomes 'las libélulas'.
Is 'Libélula' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'libélula' is a common word used when referring to this insect, particularly in contexts related to nature, gardens, or bodies of water.
Does 'Libélula' have slang or double meanings?
Generally, 'libélula' is used literally to refer to the insect. While its graceful flight might be used metaphorically, it does not typically have widespread slang or double meanings.
Is 'Libélula' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The term 'libélula' is understood and used in the same way across Spain and Latin America to refer to the dragonfly.

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