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 burst of color, channeling the vibrancy of harlequins, took center stage.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 2, 2023
Clowns, as pranksters, jesters, jokers, harlequins, and mythologized tricksters have been around for ages.
From Salon ● Aug. 6, 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
He saw Ku Klux Klan hoods, skeletons, harlequins in garish colors, painted faces.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
