harlequin

American  

[hahr-luh-kwin, -kin] / ˈhɑr lə kwɪn, -kɪn /

noun

1. (often initial capital letter) a comic character in commedia dell'arte and the harlequinade, usually masked, dressed in multicolored, diamond-patterned tights, and carrying a wooden sword or magic wand.

2. a buffoon.

3. any of various small snakes having bright diamond-pattern scales.

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adjective

1. fancifully varied in color, decoration, etc..

   harlequin pants.

2. resembling a harlequin's mask.

   harlequin glasses.

harlequin British  

/ ˈhɑːlɪkwɪn /

noun

1. (sometimes capital) theatre a stock comic character originating in the commedia dell'arte; the foppish lover of Columbine in the English harlequinade. He is usually represented in diamond-patterned multicoloured tights, wearing a black mask

2. a clown or buffoon

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adjective

1. varied in colour or decoration

2. (of certain animals) having a white coat with irregular patches of black or other dark colour

   harlequin Great Dane

3. comic; ludicrous

Other Word Forms

• harlequinism noun

Etymology

Origin of harlequin

First recorded in 1580–90; from French, Middle French (h)arlequin, semantically (and in part phonetically), from Italian arlecchino, from Middle French, phonetically continuing unattested Old French harlequin, halequin “a malevolent spirit” (compare mesniee Hellequin a troop of demonic horsemen, literally, “Hellequin's escort”), probably from unattested Middle English Herla king, Old English Her(e)la cyning “King Herle” (unattested), presumably a legendary figure, rendered in Anglo-Latin as Herla rex; compare Old High German Herilo a personal name, derivative of heri “armed forces”

Example Sentences

The harlequin lady beetle has helped farmers and gardeners control plant-eating pests, and defenders argue it is basically harmless.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025

It is easy to tell the difference between the two species, as the seven-spot ladybird is red and has seven spots, while the harlequin can vary in colour and have a greater number of spots.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2025

The collection reached its apex with Hawkins-inspired pieces, particularly the multicolored pants that married contemporary flair with a nod to the traditional harlequin attire, showcasing Anderson’s talent for fusing historical references with modern design.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 20, 2024

There’s Anastasia Durasova’s makeup that makes a face look like that of a melting high-glam harlequin.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2023

On buffet tables, garnished with glistening hors-d'oeuvre, spiced baked hams crowded against salads of harlequin designs and pastry pigs and turkeys bewitched to a dark gold.

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald