Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

periodical cicada

noun

Definition of periodical cicada

: seventeen-year locust

First Known Use of periodical cicada

1876

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Learn More about periodical cicada

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about periodical cicada

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up periodical cicada? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games