yellow jacket

American  

noun

1. any of several paper wasps of the family Vespidae, having black and bright yellow bands.

2. Slang. a yellow capsule of phenobarbital.

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yellow jacket British  

noun

1. any of several social wasps of the genus Vespa, having yellow markings on the body

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Etymology

Origin of yellow jacket

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800

Example Sentences

As the firefighters pulled on their protective yellow jackets and pants, and filled their drip torches with a mixture of diesel and gasoline, Nielson bent down and grabbed a fistful of the yellow grass.

From Los Angeles Times

“Roger,” another said as a crew member, wearing a helmet and an orange and yellow jacket, held on to a cable and jumped out of the helicopter.

From Los Angeles Times

Her words three years ago turned the former Los Angeles youth poet laureate into an instant icon, down to her meme-ified yellow jacket and bright red headband.

From Los Angeles Times

The two girls walking down the block described what the person in the yellow jacket was doing in at least one of the videos.

From Los Angeles Times

These workers are meant to be easily recognized by the yellow jackets or vests they wear.

From Los Angeles Times