periodical cicada

noun

Examples of periodical cicada in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Nature's next big show — cicada double emergence What to know about this year's periodical cicada emergence: Brood XIV will emerge this time Brood XIV, the second-largest periodical cicada brood, last emerged in 2008, Tamra Reall, an entomologist at the University of Missouri, told ABC News. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 15 Mar. 2025 It's considered to be among the largest periodical cicada broods along with Brood XIX, which emerged in 2024, according to the University of Connecticut. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2025 Dead periodical cicadas and nymphal shells pile up at the base of a tree on May 18, 2024, in Charleston, Ill. Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2025 The exact timing is unpredictable, but periodical cicadas wait until the ground warms to 64 degrees to come out. Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 5 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for periodical cicada

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of periodical cicada was in 1876

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Cite this Entry

“Periodical cicada.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/periodical%20cicada. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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