harlequin

noun

har·​le·​quin ˈhär-li-k(w)ən 

1

a

Harlequin : a character in comedy and pantomime with a shaved head, masked face, variegated tights, and wooden sword

b

: buffoon

2

a

: 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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History of Harlequin

When capitalized, Harlequin refers to a stock character of the Italian commedia dell’arte and subsequently the pantomime traditions of other nations. The character began in the 16th century as an unscrupulous comic servant, later became a faithful valet involved in amorous exploits, and ultimately evolved into a clownlike figure engaging in good-natured joking and amusing tricks. Harlequin’s outfit began as peasant clothes covered in bright patches and developed into a tight-fitting costume with bright triangles and diamond shapes and a black half-mask. Harlequin was the principal character of pantomime slapstick plays known as harlequinades.

Synonyms of harlequin

• clown

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

The spill hit 1,300 miles of coastline, leading to the deaths of about 900 bald eagles, 300 seals, 1,000 harlequin ducks, 2,800 sea otters and 250,000 seabirds, according to the conservation group Oceana. —Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 24 Mar. 2026

If the Brits are anything to go by, feather boas and harlequin jumpsuits are out, and French-girl flats are in. —Alice Newbold, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2026

Rather than the usual crisscross pattern, Holmes’ sweater features solid block diamonds in bold colors for a harlequin look that is honestly a breath of fresh air. —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 Jan. 2026

Like an ex-NatGeo marine videographer, who can film guests drift diving through walls of harlequin sweetlips, as if the spirit of Jacques Cousteau was puppeteering their wetsuits. —Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Italian arlecchino, from Middle French Helquin, a demon

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

harlequin

noun

har·​le·​quin ˈhär-li-k(w)ən 

1

: clown entry 1 sense 2

2

: a pattern of usually diamond-shaped figures of different colors

harlequin adjective