harlequin

/ˈhɑrləkwɪn/
noun
  1. A character in traditional comedy or pantomime who wears a mask and a costume with diamond-shaped patches of different colors.
    • Children at the carnival loved watching the harlequin perform.
    • In the play, the harlequin wore a colorful patchwork suit and a black mask.
    • The harlequin entertained the audience with silly tricks and jokes.
  2. A type of duck with a striking black, white, and gray pattern, found in fast-flowing rivers.
    • We spotted a harlequin duck diving in the mountain stream.
    • The harlequin's bold markings make it easy to identify among other ducks.
    • Birdwatchers traveled to the river to see the rare harlequin.
adjective
  1. Having a pattern of bright, contrasting colors, like the costume of a harlequin.
    • The artist painted a harlequin pattern on the wall.
    • The clown's harlequin outfit was covered in blue and green patches.
    • She wore a harlequin scarf with red and yellow diamonds.
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