yellow jacket

noun

1. any of several paper wasps of the family Vespidae, having black and bright yellow bands.
2. Slang. a yellow capsule of phenobarbital.

yellow jacket

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of yellow jacket¹

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Cox recalls one hunt in which he had to lug 75 pounds of elk for several miles, while under attack by bloodthirsty yellow jackets.

From Outside Online

Fatima’s endearingly nerdy glasses and bright yellow jacket are based on an old photo of Tariq and brought to life by Stevie Lewis, whose illustrations capture the loneliness, joy, and pride that Fatima feels.

From Outside Online

So there is a link between you wearing a yellow jacket and rainy weather.

From Science News For Students

She herself is wearing a yellow jacket at The Plaza, her dark hair uncovered.

From The Daily Beast

Dora got a yellow jacket, and Nellie a baker's cap, while Grace skipped around wearing a poke hat over a foot high.

From Project Gutenberg

Never had so young a man had so responsible a place at the Yellow Jacket.

From Project Gutenberg

That was the beginning of the real fame of the Yellow Jacket.

From Project Gutenberg

From the Yellow Jacket men came and defended his noble life.

From Project Gutenberg

What a strange life it was for Job there at the Yellow Jacket!

From Project Gutenberg