1. a person who persistently annoys or provokes others with criticism or demands for reform
Usage: figurative
2. a fly that bites or harasses livestock
Usage: literal

Examples

• The journalist served as a gadfly, constantly questioning the mayor’s policies.
• She was known as the gadfly of the school board, always pushing for educational reforms.
• The gadflies were bothering the cattle in the pasture.
• His role as a political gadfly made him unpopular with establishment politicians.
• The horses swished their tails to ward off the persistent gadflies.
• Like Socrates, he saw himself as a gadfly meant to sting society into awareness.