harlequin

noun

ˈhär-li-k(w)ən How to pronounce harlequin (audio)
Definition of harlequinnext
as in clown
a comically dressed performer (as at a circus) who entertains with playful tricks and ridiculous behavior among the court entertainers waiting to enter the grand hall were masked harlequins in brightly colored pantaloons

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of harlequin Colman Domingo wore a colorful custom Valentino look based on the house's harlequin motif. — Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026 Common Pests and Diseases Broccoli plants can be damaged by common insect pests, like caterpillars, aphids, flea beetles, and harlequin bugs, says Minter. — Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026 For brassicas, watch for cabbage worms, flea beetles, and harlequin bugs. — Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026 Man Ray painted a harlequin with a candlelit lantern for a head in 1939, taking direct inspiration from Schiaparelli’s Harlequin coat from her Modern Comedy collection, launched in October 1938. — Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for harlequin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harlequin
clown
Noun
  • When asked about his most Mary-like quality, Yang pointed to the duality of the clown.
    — Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Jean pays tribute to the oversized trousers worn by rodeo clowns.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of clown

Browse Nearby Words

hark (to)
harlequin
harlequins
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Cite this Entry

“Harlequin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harlequin. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on harlequin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about harlequin

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