yellowjacket
yellowjacket Lexical Profile
yellowjacket Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A predatory, social wasp of the genera Vespula or Dolichovespula, native primarily to the Northern Hemisphere, known for its distinctive yellow and black bands and a tendency to aggressively defend its nest.
"We had to move our picnic indoors after a swarm of yellowjackets discovered the sugary drinks and fruit on the table."
Word Nuance & Usage
While common in North American English to specify these particular yellow-and-black species, speakers of British English typically refer to these same insects simply as 'wasps'.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in American English in the 18th century, the name references the insect's distinctive yellow and black abdominal banding, which resembles a brightly colored coat or jacket.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.