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

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.

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

In these respects, apart from the harlequin excesses of his Stalinism, Cowley is terrifically sound. —Vince Passaro, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

Speaking of South Africa, harlequin flower (Sparaxis tricolor) is another cormaceous plant from that part of the world. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025

Our first glimpse of Gacy in full harlequin regalia is our last. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025

Joan Kennedy opted for pink, aqua and gold harlequin boucle HotPants and tunic. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025

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