cicala: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / LiteraryLiterary, poetic; occasionally technical/biological.
Quick answer
What does “cicala” mean?
a large insect that produces a loud, continuous buzzing or chirping sound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a large insect that produces a loud, continuous buzzing or chirping sound; a cicada.
In literature or poetic contexts, it can evoke themes of summer, heat, laziness, or persistent noise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'cicala' is a recognized, though literary, variant. In American English, 'cicada' is overwhelmingly the standard term; 'cicala' is very rare and might be considered an affectation.
Connotations
UK: poetic, possibly archaic, evokes Mediterranean settings. US: unfamiliar, likely seen as a direct borrowing from Italian.
Frequency
Much more likely to be encountered in UK literary texts than in US ones. In general usage in both regions, 'cicada' is far more frequent.
Grammar
How to Use “cicala” in a Sentence
The [adj] cicala [verb] in the [noun].A chorus of cicalas [verb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cicala” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'To cicala' is not a standard verb. Periphrastic: 'The trees seemed to cicala with sound.' (rare, poetic)
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- 'Cicala-like' (e.g., a cicala-like drone).
American English
- 'Cicada-like' is the standard form; 'cicala-like' would be exceptionally rare.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in specific literary studies or historical entomology texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare; 'cicada' would be used if needed.
Technical
In entomology, 'Cicadidae' (family name) is standard; 'cicala' is a dated common name.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cicala”
- Misspelling as 'cicada' when intentionally using the literary form. Pronouncing the 'c' as /k/ in the British variant (it's /tʃ/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it refers to the same insect. 'Cicala' is an Italian-derived term used primarily in literary or British English contexts, whereas 'cicada' is the standard modern English term.
In British English, it is commonly /tʃɪˈkɑːlə/ (chi-KAH-luh). In American English, if used, it may be /sɪˈkɑlə/ (si-KAH-luh) by analogy with 'cicada', or the British pronunciation.
For general, modern communication, always use 'cicada'. Use 'cicala' only if you are aiming for a specific literary, poetic, or archaic effect, particularly in a context evoking Southern Europe.
Extremely rarely. It is perceived as a direct foreign borrowing. The vast majority of Americans would only know and use the term 'cicada'.
a large insect that produces a loud, continuous buzzing or chirping sound.
Cicala is usually literary, poetic; occasionally technical/biological. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'cicala'. Related: 'Sing like a cicada' (to make a persistent, shrill noise).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ITALY (where 'cicala' is the Italian word) + CALAmity (for the noisy sound). The Italian CICALA causes a calamitous noise.
Conceptual Metaphor
NOISE IS A LIVING ENTITY ('The cicala's song filled the air'), SUMMER/HEAT IS ACOUSTIC ('The cicala is the voice of the heat').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'cicala' most appropriately used?