harlequin meaning

harlequin as a noun

1. a clown or buffoon (after the Harlequin character in the commedia dell'arte)

   Type of: clown

harlequin as a verb

1. variegate with spots or marks
   • His face was harlequined with patches

   Type of: mottle

harlequin in a sentence

• The harlequin had large, red lips.
• The harlequin amused the public.
• A harlequin wore colorful clothing and covered his face with a mask to protect his identity.
• Tom used to be a harlequin.

How to pronounce harlequin

harlequin is pronounced /ˈhɑrləkwən/ in American English. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.