First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
cicada
noun ci·ca·da \sə-ˈkā-də, -ˈkä-; sī-ˈkā-\
: a large insect
plural ci·ca·das also ci·ca·dae\-ˈkā-(ˌ)dē, -ˈkä-\
Full Definition of CICADA
: any of a family (Cicadidae) of homopterous insects which have a stout body, wide blunt head, and large transparent wings and the males of which produce a loud buzzing noise usually by stridulation
See cicada defined for English-language learners
See cicada defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CICADA
New Latin, genus name, from Latin, cicada
CICADAS Defined for Kids
cicada
noun ci·ca·da \sə-ˈkā-də\
Definition of CICADA for Kids
: an insect that has transparent wings and a stout body and the males of which make a loud buzzing noise
Learn More About CICADA
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: cicada birdPrevious Word in the Dictionary: cicadAll Words Near: cicada
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up cicada? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).