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locust

noun lo·cust \ ˈlō-kəst \
|Updated on: 9 Aug 2018

Definition of locust

1 : short-horned grasshopper; especially : a migratory grasshopper often traveling in vast swarms and stripping the areas passed of all vegetation
2 : cicada
3 a : any of various leguminous trees: such as
(1) : carob 1
(2) : black locust
(3) : honey locust
b : the wood of a locust tree

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Recent Examples of locust from the Web

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

Origin and Etymology of locust

Middle English, from Anglo-French locuste, from Latin locusta

Other Insect Terms

drone, entomology, gadfly, pismire, proboscis, vespine

LOCUST Defined for English Language Learners

locust

noun

Definition of locust for English Language Learners

  • : a type of grasshopper that travels in very large groups and that can cause great destruction by eating crops

LOCUST Defined for Kids

locust

noun lo·cust \ ˈlō-kəst \

Definition of locust for Students

1 : a grasshopper that moves in huge swarms and eats up the plants in its path
2 : cicada
3 : a tree with hard wood, leaves with many leaflets, and drooping flower clusters

Learn More about locust

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of locust Nglish: Translation of locust for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of locust for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about locust

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