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.
He can't tie his own shoelaces and his Vespa scooter strains to bear his weight - in one week, its wheels broke seven times.
From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026
"It’s a high-quality scooter. And it comes with a certain status. It’s classy, you know. It's not like the cheapy scooters that you see on the road all the time. Vespa is special," Stover added.
From Barron's ● Jun. 27, 2026
With defending champ Carlos Alcaraz back in Spain, staring at his sore, slowly-rehabilating wrist, the tennis world presumed his Italian rival, Jannik Sinner, would have a breezy Vespa ride to the title at Roland-Garros.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 30, 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
Finally we found an unconscious courier leaning against a brick wall, still straddling his red Vespa.
From "The Last Olympian" 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
People who think of Vespas as an accessory and attend highly anticipated restaurant openings do not find twee puns and sunny greetings charming.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 22, 2021
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
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.
