harlequin bug

noun

variants or less commonly harlequin cabbage bug
: a black stinkbug (Murgantia histrionica) brilliantly marked with red, orange, and yellow that is destructive to cabbage and related plants in tropical America and the warmer parts of the U.S.

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near harlequin bug

Cite this Entry

“Harlequin bug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harlequin%20bug. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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