harlequin
noun
har·le·quin
| \ ˈhär-li-k(w)ən
\
\
Definition of harlequin
1a
capitalized
: a character in comedy and pantomime with a shaved head, masked face, variegated tights, and wooden sword
b
: buffoon
2a
: a variegated pattern (as of a textile)
b
: a combination of patches on a solid ground of contrasting color (as in the coats of some dogs)
Illustration of harlequin
Harlequin
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Examples of harlequin in a Sentence
among the court entertainers waiting to enter the grand hall were masked harlequins in brightly colored pantaloons
Recent Examples on the Web
In New Hampshire, the most eye-catching part of her wardrobe was a pair of two-toned harlequin-style silver-and-black stiletto heels. — Emily Witt, The New Yorker, "Marianne Williamson Wants Politics to Enter the New Age," 14 Aug. 2019 Traditional European harlequins Yanina and Sergey have trained a fleet of pups to jump through hoops, climb up ladders and leap straight into the hearts of children. — Trevor Fraser, orlandosentinel.com, "Things to do this weekend: Travel the world with Orlando events," 10 July 2019 References to clowns, those happy/sad jesters of these traveling troupes, extended beyond the makeup to the clothes, some of which featured ruffs and harlequin patterns. — Laird Borrelli-persson, Vogue, "Fashion Loves a Clown: Here, 24 Big Top Looks That Prove It From Dior Haute Couture to Alexander McQueen," 21 Jan. 2019 The only difference is her cupid's bow was emphasized with dramatic, harlequin-like points. — Devon Abelman, Allure, "K-Pop Star Sunmi's Best Makeup Looks From Her New "Siren" Music Video," 4 Sep. 2018 All the while, the surroundings were equally eclectic, transporting the audience from a child’s bedroom to a topsy turvy world where an industrial, Chicago-style grid of pipes supported dancing harlequins. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "At Austria’s Famous Salzburg Festival, the Hills Do Come Alive With the Sound of Music," 2 Aug. 2018 The first half of the whopping 95 looks was a monochrome palette of black and cream, with shimmering suits, harlequin checks and delicate blouses with dramatic cape sleeves. — Rhonda Richford, The Hollywood Reporter, "It Was Black, White and Bold All Over at Red-Carpet Ready Armani Prive Couture Show," 4 July 2018 Shield bugs are also known as jewel bugs for their iridescent colors, like the cotton harlequin and the rainbow shield bug. — National Geographic, "Meet the Bug That Armors Itself With Shells," 23 June 2018 Alicia Barber gave birth to Jamison Stam, who has harlequin ichthyosis, in May of 2017. — Ashley May, USA TODAY, "Mom bathes 1-year-old son with rare skin disorder in bleach to keep him alive," 21 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'harlequin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for harlequin
harlequin
noun
English Language Learners Definition of harlequin
: a pattern of diamond-shaped figures of different colors
: a comic character in old stories and plays who wears a mask and colorful clothes with a diamond pattern
See the full definition for harlequin in the English Language Learners Dictionary
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