Harlequin
The English name of a costumed stage character, descended from the Old French devil-figure Hellequin by way of Italian comic theatre.
Meaning and origin
Harlequin reached English through French and Italian theatre rather than growing up as an English name on its own.
How to pronounce Harlequin
| English (US) | HAHR-luh-kwin /ˈhɑːrləkwɪn/ |
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About this entry
Drafted with the help of an AI model, then checked by a person. Last checked on 16 September 2026.
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