grasshopper

noun grass·hop·per \ ˈgras-ˌhä-pər \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Definition of grasshopper

1 : any of numerous plant-eating orthopterous insects (Acrididae, Tettigoniidae, and some related families) having the hind legs adapted for leaping and sometimes engaging in migratory flights in which whole regions may be stripped of vegetation

2 : a cocktail made with crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and light cream

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Recent Examples of grasshopper from the Web

Nyong’o stepped out in the shimmering, organza evening dress whose silhouette recalled the iconic grasshopper green Gucci dress the actress sported on the Cannes red carpet in 2015.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Lupita Nyong’o Has a Major Prada Princess Moment at the Cannes Film Festival," 11 May 2018
When the grasshoppers arrive, a hopper pattern or live insect is almost guaranteed to get slurped.

— jordan rodriguez, idahostatesman, "Aim high for fishing campouts this summer. But make sure you're ready for the chill. | Idaho Statesman," 22 May 2018
Nyong’o is a veteran of the festival, most notably donning a grasshopper-green accordion pleat dress by Gucci in 2015.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Lupita Nyong'o Skips the Met Gala, But Goes Angelic in Cannes," 10 May 2018
The park is also great for bird watching with plenty of fields where grasshoppers flit past and butterflies float from flower to flower.

— peter marteka, courant.com, "Hikers, Are You Up To The Challenge Of These 14 Trails?," 15 May 2018
Writer-director John Krasinski's thriller takes place in a world seized by giant grasshopper creatures who cannot see or smell but can hear a pin drop from miles away.

— mark rapp, cleveland.com, "Movie capsules for May 11: "Bad Samaritan" & More," 10 May 2018
The wobbly-legged chicks are now learning to eat tadpoles, grasshoppers and dragonflies, and growing at a brisk pace of 10 to 15 percent each day.

— jenny staletovich, miamiherald, "Rare whooping cranes hatch at Florida wildlife refuge | Miami Herald," 9 May 2018
Shreds of Steele’s own quesillo, a Oaxacan string cheese, might top shrimp tacos or a salad of tender leek tops, red cabbage, carrot fronds, and pea shoots, tossed in an herby dressing made with ground chapulines (grasshoppers).

— hannah goldfield, The New Yorker, "Elevated Mole and Mezcal at Claro," 4 May 2018
In 1874, independent Thomas Fenlon served as speaker of the House during a special session when the state dealt with a grasshopper plague.

— bryan lowry, kansascity, "Kansas lawmaker leaving Republican Party to join Orman's independent campaign | The Kansas City Star," 6 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grasshopper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of grasshopper

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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GRASSHOPPER Defined for English Language Learners

grasshopper

noun

Definition of grasshopper for English Language Learners

: a plant-eating insect that has long legs used for jumping

GRASSHOPPER Defined for Kids

grasshopper

noun grass·hop·per \ ˈgras-ˌhä-pər \

Definition of grasshopper for Students

: a common leaping insect that feeds on plants

Learn More about grasshopper

See words that rhyme with grasshopper Spanish Central: Translation of grasshopper Nglish: Translation of grasshopper for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grasshopper

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grasshopper

Definition of grasshopper

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GRASSHOPPER Defined for English Language Learners

grasshopper

Definition of grasshopper for English Language Learners

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grasshopper

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