Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of insect: A crane fly is a long-legged, slender-bodied fly that resembles a large mosquito in appearance but does not bite or suck blood.

Usage

• The word "crane fly" is used as a countable noun. It refers to the insect itself.
• Example:
• Example:

Advanced Usage

• "Daddy longlegs": In some regions, particularly in the United Kingdom and other parts of the English-speaking world, "crane fly" is commonly called a "daddy longlegs". (Note: In North America, "daddy longlegs" more commonly refers to a type of arachnid, the harvestman.)
  • Example: The children were fascinated by the daddy longlegs (crane fly) in the garden.

Variants and Related Words

• Crane flies (plural noun): The standard plural form.
• Tipulidae (noun): The scientific family name for crane flies.

Synonyms

• Daddy longlegs (noun, regional): A common informal name.
• Mosquito hawk (noun, regional, US): Another informal name, though this can also refer to other insects that eat mosquitoes.

Different Meanings

• The term "crane fly" refers specifically to the insect. It is not to be confused with:
  • Crane (noun): A large, tall machine used for lifting heavy objects, or a type of large wading bird.
  • Fly (noun/verb): The general term for the insect order Diptera or the action of moving through the air.

Noun

1. long-legged slender flies that resemble large mosquitoes but do not bite