harlequin

noun

har·​le·​quin ˈhär-li-k(w)ən How to pronounce harlequin (audio)
1
a
capitalized : a character in comedy and pantomime with a shaved head, masked face, variegated tights, and wooden sword
b
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

Illustration of harlequin
  • Harlequin

Did you know?

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.

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 This leather pair, covered with jewels arranged in a harlequin pattern, is a unique spin on the trend. Esme Benjamin, Peoplemag, 16 July 2024 Stilt-walking harlequins, leaping court jesters, gladiators, riders on horseback, harem girls, and more descended upon the courtyard followed by a gilded carriage carrying five statuesque ladies dripping in jewels. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2023 In the evocative setting of the Tese delle Nappe event venue, Giorgio Armani, 89 years young, presented a reinterpretation of Armani Privé’s last Paris fashion show, which had a harlequin theme. Pino Gagliardi, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Sep. 2023 Below was a dizzying spectrum: harlequin flashes of cobalt and hot pink, gold and silver, as clown fish, trevallies, and parrotfish zigzagged by in a flash. Sunil Badami, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for harlequin 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'harlequin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of harlequin was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near harlequin

Cite this Entry

“Harlequin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harlequin. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

harlequin

noun
har·​le·​quin ˈhär-li-k(w)ən How to pronounce harlequin (audio)
1
2
: a pattern of usually diamond-shaped figures of different colors
harlequin adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on harlequin

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!