a genus of the family Vespidae.
a member of this genus; a hornet.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At a Milan pizzeria that normally airs matches, the screens were showing a news segment about a gathering of Vespa riders.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 4, 2026
Designed to be a popular and affordable means of transport, the Vespa -- which benefited from all sorts of innovations derived from aviation, Piaggio's core business -- also has social significance.
From Barron's ● Jun. 27, 2026
The Mod was a mohair-buttoned masher on speed: a dedicated follower of fashion who lived for the weekend and rode a Vespa instead of a velocipede.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 15, 2026
Savannah Moon, the composer’s daughter, said in a phone interview that her father was riding his Vespa scooter when he died.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 12, 2026
They held hands as they navigated the winding streets, dodging cars and crazy Vespa drivers, squeezing through mobs of tourists, and wading through oceans of pigeons.
From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan
Big displays with neon signs, selfie mirrors and even swings or old Vespas are an annoying part of today’s restaurant scene, says Popal.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2025
Things really hit a personal low point when we find Boba bartering with a bunch of obnoxious teens riding futuristic Vespas; instead of punishing them, he outright hires them.
From The Verge ● Jan. 13, 2022
In fact, it’s a joy to be transported into the Cinque Terra-inspired town of Portorosso to watch a few adolescent sea monsters dream of Vespas and a better future.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 8, 2021
In honor of my 40th Anniversary, Vespa Los Angeles has created 40 limited edition custom Elvira Macabre Vespas!
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2021
Bikes and Vespas clogged the surrounding streets, but the square itself was empty except for pigeons and a few old men drinking espresso.
From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan
Their answers were as colorful and contrasting as the painted murals, parked vespas and shopping trolleys that dot the area.
From The Guardian ● Apr. 14, 2016
Rome might be la dolce vita of vespas, but Turin is the headquarters of such dashing rides as Fiat and Alfa Romeo.
From Washington Post
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
