paper wasp

noun

: a vespid wasp (especially genus Polistes) that builds a nest of papery material

Examples of paper wasp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Any paper wasp, hornet or yellow jacket sting can cause a serious reaction in someone with a venom allergy, and multiple stings can also be dangerous. — Nick Perry, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Only around 1,000 wasp species build colonies, and that includes paper wasps and yellow jackets. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2026

Unlike paper wasps, yellow jackets have a shorter, stockier body with a less pronounced narrow waist. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026

While some wasps, like paper wasps, create papery nests under roof peaks and in the high branches of trees, yellow jackets usually build their nests in hollow logs and stumps, or in underground burrows, often abandoned rodent dens. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

paper wasp

noun

: a wasp that builds a nest out of papery material