Illustration of harlequin
- Harlequin
harlequin
noun
har·le·quin
ˈhär-li-k(w)ən 
1
a
capitalized
: a character in comedy and pantomime with a shaved head, masked face, variegated tights, and wooden sword
b
: buffoon
2
a
: a variegated pattern (as of a textile)
b
: a combination of patches on a solid ground of contrasting color (as in the coats of some dogs)
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History of Harlequin
When capitalized, Harlequin refers to a stock character of the Italian commedia dell’arte and subsequently the pantomime traditions of other nations. The character began in the 16th century as an unscrupulous comic servant, later became a faithful valet involved in amorous exploits, and ultimately evolved into a clownlike figure engaging in good-natured joking and amusing tricks. Harlequin’s outfit began as peasant clothes covered in bright patches and developed into a tight-fitting costume with bright triangles and diamond shapes and a black half-mask. Harlequin was the principal character of pantomime slapstick plays known as harlequinades.
Examples of harlequin in a Sentence
among the court entertainers waiting to enter the grand hall were masked harlequins in brightly colored pantaloons
Recent Examples on the Web
Pity the poor actor who has to co-star opposite a 150-pound harlequin Great Dane.
—
Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025
The role of Apollo goes to a magnificent fellow named Bing, a harlequin Great Dane with one brown eye, one blue, and an exceptionally expressive pair of eyebrows.
—Sheri Linden, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Once infused with the diabolical spirit, the guide is transformed into a buffoon, complete with a harlequin outfit—a mad joker and a dancing fool who does a little jig to the sound of a jazz trio.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2025
But this harlequin moll can’t match Joker’s lunacy as either lawbreaker or musician.
—Armond White, National Review, 29 Nov. 2024
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Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025
The role of Apollo goes to a magnificent fellow named Bing, a harlequin Great Dane with one brown eye, one blue, and an exceptionally expressive pair of eyebrows.
—Sheri Linden, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Once infused with the diabolical spirit, the guide is transformed into a buffoon, complete with a harlequin outfit—a mad joker and a dancing fool who does a little jig to the sound of a jazz trio.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2025
But this harlequin moll can’t match Joker’s lunacy as either lawbreaker or musician.
—Armond White, National Review, 29 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for harlequin
Cite this Entry
“Harlequin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harlequin. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
harlequin
noun
har·le·quin
ˈhär-li-k(w)ən
2
: a pattern of usually diamond-shaped figures of different colors
harlequin
adjective
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