ENGLISH
REFERENCE

katy

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈkeɪti// katy

n. a name for a type of large green insect that looks like a leaf and makes a loud sound at night. It is common in North America and is related to crickets.

n. a large, green, leaf-like insect of the family Tettigoniidae, native to North America and known for the stridulating noise produced by the male. Often used as a common name for various bush crickets.


SIMPLE

A katy chirped loudly in the tree outside my window.

CONTEXTUAL

During the humid summer evenings, the rhythmic sound of the katy is a constant background noise in the forest.

COMPLEX

The camouflage of the katy is so effective that it remains virtually invisible against the foliage until it begins its distinctive nocturnal song.

Usage

Often spelled 'katydid' in modern American English; 'katy' is a less common shortened form.

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