Definition of katydid
: any of various large green American long-horned grasshoppers usually having stridulating organs on the forewings of the males that produce a loud shrill sound
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Did You Know?
Some animal names have been created through imitation of the sounds the animals make. The name katydid is an example of this process. These insects were given this name because the noise they make was thought to sound like “Katy-did, Katy-didn't” repeated over and over.
Illustration of katydid
Origin and Etymology of katydid
imitative
First Known Use: 1784
KATYDID Defined for English Language Learners
katydid
playDefinition of katydid for English Language Learners
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: a large green insect that looks like a large grasshopper
KATYDID Defined for Kids
katydid
playDefinition of katydid for Students
: a large green American grasshopper with males that make shrill noises
History for katydid
Some people like to pretend that the sounds insects make are words. When a male katydid rubs his front wings together, it makes a rough noise. Some think it sounds as if he says, “Katy did, Katy didn't,” over and over. That is how the katydid got its name.
Learn More about katydid
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See words that rhyme with katydid Spanish Central: Translation of katydid Nglish: Translation of katydid for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about katydid
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