cicada killer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical (entomology), informal
Quick answer
What does “cicada killer” mean?
A large, solitary wasp species that hunts cicadas to provision its nest.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, solitary wasp species that hunts cicadas to provision its nest.
Informally, any large wasp that preys on cicadas; metaphorically, something that decisively eliminates a persistent nuisance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The insect is native to North America, so the term is almost exclusively used in American contexts. In the UK, it would be a technical description of a non-native species.
Connotations
In the US, it often evokes summer, buzzing sounds, and large intimidating wasps. In the UK, it's primarily a zoological term.
Frequency
Virtually never used in everyday British English; low frequency in American English, spiking in regions where the insect is common.
Grammar
How to Use “cicada killer” in a Sentence
The cicada killer [verbs: stung, hunted, paralysed] the cicada.A cicada killer was [observed/seen/found] near the tree.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cicada killer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The wasp species specialises in cicada-killing.
American English
- Did you see that huge wasp cicada-killing over by the oak?
adverb
British English
- The wasp moved cicada-killer style, with sudden precision.
American English
- It flew cicada-killer fast towards the tree.
adjective
British English
- We observed the cicada-killer behaviour in detail.
American English
- He got nervous seeing a cicada-killer wasp near the porch.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in entomology and biology papers to describe the species' behaviour and ecology.
Everyday
Used in conversation when describing a large, scary-looking wasp, often to express fear or fascination.
Technical
Precise reference to the genus Sphecius or specific species within it, detailing its morphology and predatory lifecycle.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cicada killer”
- Misspelling as 'cicada killa' or 'cacada killer'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'It will cicada kill the insect'). Confusing it with a hornet or yellowjacket.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are generally non-aggressive. Females have stingers used only for paralyzing cicadas, and males cannot sting. They are not a significant threat unless directly handled or threatened.
Primarily in North America, especially in areas with loose, sandy soil which they use for burrowing. They are most active in mid to late summer when cicadas are abundant.
It is best to leave it alone. They are beneficial pollinators and natural pest controllers. The nest is a solitary burrow in the ground, and the wasps will not defend it aggressively like social wasps.
Yes, though it's rare. It can metaphorically describe a person, policy, or tool that effectively eliminates a persistent, annoying problem, analogous to how the wasp deals with the noisy cicada.
A large, solitary wasp species that hunts cicadas to provision its nest.
Cicada killer is usually technical (entomology), informal in register.
Cicada killer: in British English it is pronounced /sɪˈkɑːdə ˌkɪlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /sɪˈkeɪdə ˌkɪlɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. Potential metaphorical use: 'playing cicada killer' meaning to eliminate a noisy problem.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Cicada' (the loud insect) + 'Killer' (what it does). It's the assassin of the buzzing cicada.
Conceptual Metaphor
A NATURAL EXTERMINATOR; a SPECIALIZED PREDATOR.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'cicada killer' primarily known for?