World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesHarlequin
/ˈhɑːr.lɪ.kwɪn/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
A character in traditional Italian commedia dell'arte, typically portrayed as a clever servant wearing a mask and a costume of diamond patterns.
"The actor performed brilliantly as a harlequin, captivating the audience with his agility and wit." - 2
A type of fish, specifically the harlequin tusk fish, known for its striking coloration.
"The aquarium showcased a vibrant harlequin, swimming gracefully among the coral."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Italian theatrical character 'Arlecchino' (via Old French 'Hellequin' or 'Harlekin'), originating in medieval passion plays as a demonic figure and later evolving into the comic servant of the Commedia dell'arte. The term transitioned in English to describe someone or something characterized by comic buffoonery or a variegated, diamond-patterned costume.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Harlequin"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Harlequin" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
Arlequin
Transliteration: aʁləkɛ̃
"L'acteur a joué le rôle d'un arlequin dans la pièce."
Harlekin
Transliteration: haʁləˈkiːn
"Der Harlekin brachte alle zum Lachen."
Arlecchino
Transliteration: ar.leˈkki.no
"L'Arlecchino è un personaggio famoso della commedia dell'arte."
Arlequín
Transliteration: aɾleˈkin
"El arlequín es un personaje cómico en el teatro."
Arlequim
Transliteration: aʁleˈkĩ
"O arlequim é conhecido por suas roupas coloridas."
हर्लेक्विन
Transliteration: Harlequin
"हर्लेक्विन एक रंगीन पात्र है।"
小丑
Transliteration: xiǎo chǒu
"小丑在马戏团表演中非常受欢迎。"
하를퀸
Transliteration: haleulkwin
"하를퀸은 전통적인 이탈리아 극장에서 중요한 역할을 합니다."
ハーレクイン
Transliteration: hārekukin
"ハーレクインはコメディのキャラクターです。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA secondary residence owned or rented by a family or individual, used primarily for recreational purposes, holidays, or seasonal getaways.
Not producing or containing venom; incapable of injecting poison through a bite, sting, or other mechanism.
Placing the customer's needs, experiences, and preferences at the center of a business's philosophy, operations, and decision-making.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Harlequin"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.