noun
harlequin
HAH-lihk-wihn
Harlequin (noun) means a comic pantomime character traditionally dressed in a diamond-patterned, multicoloured costume. Example: “The circus clown's costume was modelled on a classic harlequin.”
noun
1
A comic pantomime character traditionally dressed in a diamond-patterned, multicoloured costume.
"The circus clown's costume was modelled on a classic harlequin."
adj
1
Brightly coloured in an irregular, patchwork pattern, like a harlequin's costume.
"The quilt had a harlequin pattern of red, blue, and yellow diamonds."
How to use harlequin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the classic diamond-patterned clown character, or an adjective describing bright, multicoloured patchwork patterns.
Common pairings
harlequin pattern
harlequin costume
harlequin duck
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Word forms
- Plural
- harlequins
- Third person singular
- harlequins
- Past tense
- harlequined
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The circus clown's costume was modelled on a classic _____.
Etymology
From the stock character Harlequin in Italian commedia dell'arte, whose name traces back through French to an older, obscure figure once linked to a legendary demon or spirit.
Rhymes for harlequin
See all rhymes for harlequin →Frequently asked questions
What does “harlequin” mean?
The word “harlequin” means a comic pantomime character traditionally dressed in a diamond-patterned, multicoloured costume. In plain terms, either the classic diamond-patterned clown character, or an adjective describing bright, multicoloured patchwork patterns.
How do you pronounce “harlequin”?
“Harlequin” is pronounced HAH-lihk-wihn (/ˈhɑɹlɪkwɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “harlequin” in a sentence?
Here is “harlequin” used in a sentence: “The circus clown's costume was modelled on a classic harlequin.”
What part of speech is “harlequin”?
Depending on how it is used, “harlequin” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “harlequin” come from?
The word “harlequin” comes from French. From the stock character Harlequin in Italian commedia dell'arte, whose name traces back through French to an older, obscure figure once linked to a legendary demon or spirit.
How many meanings does “harlequin” have?
“Harlequin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a comic pantomime character traditionally dressed in a diamond-patterned, multicoloured costume.
