Gadfly
noun
A type of fly that bites livestock, especially horses.
The cattle in the field were being annoyed by a swarm of gadflies.
Often appears as...
- swarm of gadflies
- gadfly infestation
noun
A person who annoys others, particularly by constantly criticizing them.
He has become a gadfly to the government, questioning every policy they make.
Often appears as...
- political gadfly
- media gadfly
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
noun
A type of fly that bites livestock, especially horses.
The cattle in the field were being annoyed by a swarm of gadflies.
Often appears as...
- swarm of gadflies
- gadfly infestation
noun
A person who annoys others, particularly by constantly criticizing them.
He has become a gadfly to the government, questioning every policy they make.
Often appears as...
- political gadfly
- media gadfly
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Farm Context
Use 'gadfly' in rural or farming settings where livestock might experience nature's annoyances.
During the summer, horses often need protection from gadflies.
Pro Tip 2/3Literal Pest
Refer to the insect itself, especially when discussing its direct impact on animals.
She applied repellent to shield her cattle from gadflies.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
Sometimes used to describe anything irritating, not just the fly. Understand the metaphor.
That buzzing phone is like a gadfly during my meditation.
Pro Tip 1/3Farm Context
Use 'gadfly' in rural or farming settings where livestock might experience nature's annoyances.
During the summer, horses often need protection from gadflies.
Pro Tip 2/3Literal Pest
Refer to the insect itself, especially when discussing its direct impact on animals.
She applied repellent to shield her cattle from gadflies.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
Sometimes used to describe anything irritating, not just the fly. Understand the metaphor.
That buzzing phone is like a gadfly during my meditation.
Pro Tip 1/3Farm Context
Use 'gadfly' in rural or farming settings where livestock might experience nature's annoyances.
During the summer, horses often need protection from gadflies.
Pro Tip 2/3Literal Pest
Refer to the insect itself, especially when discussing its direct impact on animals.
She applied repellent to shield her cattle from gadflies.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
Sometimes used to describe anything irritating, not just the fly. Understand the metaphor.
That buzzing phone is like a gadfly during my meditation.
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Quote examples
Michael J. Saylor
American Businessman
The Saylor Foundation is meant to be a gadfly to encourage Google, Apple, MIT, Harvard, the United States government, and the Chinese government to aggressively pursue digital education.
Quote examples
Philip Johnson
American Architect
I'm a chameleon, so changeable. I see myself as a gadfly and a questioner.
Quote examples
Mo Rocca
American Writer
I am a kamikaze gadfly.
Quote examples
Michael J. Saylor
American Businessman
The Saylor Foundation is meant to be a gadfly to encourage Google, Apple, MIT, Harvard, the United States government, and the Chinese government to aggressively pursue digital education.
Quote examples
Philip Johnson
American Architect
I'm a chameleon, so changeable. I see myself as a gadfly and a questioner.
Quote examples
Mo Rocca
American Writer
I am a kamikaze gadfly.
Example 1 of 3
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