harlequin
noun
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.
harlequins
-
pluralof harlequin.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As Dr Elizabeth Duncan says: "Unfortunately, they do compete with and can outcompete some native ladybird species, but they like to overwinter in different environments - harlequins in our homes and seven-spots in leaf litter."
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2025
A riot of colors, ludic patterns, and subtle riffs on harlequins.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 2, 2023
Pierrots, sailors, harlequins and peasants follow in the procession, small bells sewn to their costumes ringing as local brass bands play the streets.
From Reuters ● Feb. 21, 2023
Filmmakers have long taken the already frightening, already dicey image of the clown and exploited it by making intentionally scary harlequins and bozos in films both dramatic and horrific.
From Salon ● Sep. 4, 2017
He saw Ku Klux Klan hoods, skeletons, harlequins in garish colors, painted faces.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
