katydid

American  

[key-tee-did] / ˈkeɪ ti dɪd /

noun

1. any of several large, usually green, American long-horned grasshoppers, the males of which produce a characteristic song.

---

katydid British  

/ ˈkeɪtɪˌdɪd /

noun

1. any typically green long-horned grasshopper of the genus Microcentrum and related genera, living among the foliage of trees in North America

---

Etymology

Origin of katydid

An Americanism dating back to 1745–55; imitative

Explanation

A katydid is a type of grasshopper with extra-long antennae. You can hear katydids on summer nights making a loud, three-note sound. Like grasshoppers and crickets, katydids make noise by rubbing body parts together — in their case, by moving a leg against a wing and producing a sound that resembles their name. Katydids have also been known as "wide-horned grasshoppers," for the antennae that are often longer than their bodies. These insects are nocturnal and use camouflage, disguising themselves as green leaves to stay safe from predators.

Example Sentences

Nothing ever surprised Chirpy Cricket more than what Kiddie Katydid told him.

From The Tale of Chirpy Cricket by Bailey, Arthur Scott

Well, late one night—or early one morning—Kiddie Katydid and Benjamin Bat were enjoying a chat in the tree-tops, when Benjamin put a new idea into Kiddie's head.

From The Tale of Kiddie Katydid by Smith, Harry L.

But Kiddie Katydid spoke up quickly and said that he wouldn't care to join in the fun until the night was almost gone.

From The Tale of Kiddie Katydid by Smith, Harry L.

"I knew something was due to happen to Katydid, but I didn't expect anything like that."

From The Guarded Heights by Camp, Wadsworth

And at last Kiddie Katydid told him that it was Mr. Nighthawk that he had heard.

From The Tale of Chirpy Cricket by Bailey, Arthur Scott