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Definition of cicada

cicada

/sɪˈkeɪ.də/
ci · ca · da
Plural:cicadas
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cicada Lexical Profile

cicada Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large, stout-bodied insect of the family Cicadidae, characterized by wide-set eyes, short antennae, and membranous wings, primarily known for the loud, high-pitched droning or clicking song produced by the males.

Example

"During the peak of summer, the deafening hum of the cicadas echoed through the dense canopy of the deciduous forest."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cicada

Word Nuance & Usage

In North American vernacular, periodical cicadas are frequently but incorrectly referred to as 'locusts', which are actually a distinct, swarming variety of grasshopper.

• Rhymes for cicada

• Nearby Words

chutzpah
ciabatta
ciao
cicada
cicatrix
cicero
cichlid

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed directly from Latin 'cicada', meaning 'tree cricket'. The Latin word is likely of onomatopoeic origin, imitating the insect's distinctive, loud clicking or buzzing sound.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cicada. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cicada
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