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harlequin

harlequin

9 9.3
A comic performer wearing a bright costume with diamond-shaped patterns
  • noun
  • /ˈhɑr.lɪ.kɪn/
  • Literature
translation icon : arlequín
  • After he came down, he looked like a harlequin clown, with glittery paint chips glued to his eyelids.
  • harlequin romance
  • harlequin-print suit
  • harlequin mask

Examples

  • Like a wide-eyed harlequin with a pirate smile.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • It was a bit sentimental, kind of a Harlequin romance, but charming.

  • I came as a harlequin.

  • We found a harlequin doll in your possession.

  • A harlequin's role is to serve.

  • I turned to find Mad Willie dressed as a harlequin: faded yellow pants, red shirt, green cap.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Harlequin, who is the lover, and the clowns, are at her bedside.

  • The performer dazzled the audience with his energetic routine as a harlequin in a colorful costume.

  • During the festival, children loved to dress as a harlequin, showcasing their vibrant, diamond-patterned outfits.

  • In the play, the harlequin provided comic relief with his playful antics and brightly colored attire.

Compounds

A brightly colored snake with poison in its bite that lives in Central and South America

harlequin opal
  • Specialized
9.9

A gem with a red base and small bright patches of many colors

rock harlequin
  • Specialized
9.9

A small wild plant with pink flowers tipped with yellow growing on rocks

Surface Forms

harlequin singular
harlequins plural

Etymology

Harlequin comes from an old Italian comic character called Arlecchino, who wore a bright, patchwork costume of diamonds and colors. So a harlequin is a clownish, playful figure or anything that looks covered in small, colorful patches.