orthopteran

1 of 2

noun (1)

or·​thop·​ter·​an ȯr-ˈthäp-tə-rən How to pronounce orthopteran (audio)
: any of an order (Orthoptera) of insects (such as crickets and grasshoppers) characterized by biting mouthparts, two pairs of wings or none, enlarged hind femurs, and an incomplete metamorphosis
orthopteran adjective
orthopterist noun
orthopteroid noun or adjective

orthopterist

2 of 2

noun (2)

or·​thop·​ter·​ist
plural -s

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

New Latin Orthoptera

Noun (2)

New Latin Orthoptera + English -ist

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orthopteran was circa 1842

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orthopteran.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthopteran. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on orthopteran

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster