WordGarden.iograsshopper
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡrˈɑːshɒpə/
US
- /ˈɡræsˌhɑpər/
Meanings
Noun
a jumping insect with long hind legs
a sweet mint-flavored cocktail
(informal)a novice or inexperienced learner
Beyond the definition
A grasshopper is a jumping insect with long back legs that help it leap far. You often see one in fields, gardens, or meadows in warm weather. Many kinds make soft rasping or chirping sounds, which people often connect with summer. They mostly eat plants, and when there are many of them, they can damage crops and become a pest.
Picture a small insect springing out of tall grass and disappearing a moment later. That simple image captures the word well. It usually brings to mind warm days, open land, and the busy life of nature close to the ground.
A grasshopper is an insect from a large group known for strong hind legs and quick, powerful jumps. It is commonly found in grasslands, meadows, gardens, farms, and other places with plenty of plant life. Many are green or brown, which helps them blend in, though some species are brighter in color. Some kinds make rasping or chirping sounds, adding to the feeling of a hot, quiet summer day.
This insect mainly eats leaves, grass, and other plant material. In ordinary numbers, it is simply part of the natural world, but in large numbers it can become a serious farm pest by stripping plants and damaging crops. Some related species can enter a locust phase, forming huge swarms that travel and feed together.
The word also carries a strong picture in the mind. It suggests something light, quick, and lively, jumping through tall grass almost before you can catch sight of it. In stories, folk traditions, and everyday speech, it often stands for summer, open countryside, and the small but active life of the outdoors.
Taken as a whole, the word names a familiar jumping plant-eating insect, but it also brings with it a scene: warm air, dry grass, sudden movement, and the sounds of the season. That mix of clear meaning and natural imagery is what gives the word much of its charm.
Examples
- 1
Insect
A grasshopper jumped out of the grass as we walked by.
- 2
Crop damage
In late summer, grasshoppers can damage young corn plants.
- 3
Drink order
She ordered a grasshopper after dinner.
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- grasshoppernoun
Forms
- grasshopperspluralnoun