What does katydid mean?
A katydid is a nocturnal insect in the family Tettigoniidae, related to crickets and grasshoppers. Many species are green or brown and have long, slender bodies and exceptionally long antennae, which can be several times the length of the body. Their best-known feature is the loud, rhythmic calling produced by males, often represented in writing as “ka-ty-did” and heard on warm summer nights. The word is particularly common in North America, while British speakers may prefer “bush cricket” for the same general group of insects. Although the sound is sometimes mistaken for that of a cricket, a katydid can usually be recognized in the hand by its long antennae. The name is imitative, reflecting the impression made by the insect’s repeated call, although its precise historical development is somewhat uncertain.
nounA large, usually green, nocturnal orthopteran insect with very long antennae, related to crickets and grasshoppers. Its name refers to the conspicuous sound produced by many species at night.
- Any insect of the family Tettigoniidae, especially the long-horned, leaf-like or grasshopper-like species commonly heard calling at night.
"A katydid began calling from the garden just after sunset."
"The first warm evening brought the unmistakable sound of katydids from the meadow."
"Researchers used sensitive microphones to distinguish the calls of different katydid species."
The usual plural; the word normally takes a plural verb when referring to multiple insects.
"Katydids called from several directions as the group entered the clearing."
Named for the sound that seems to spell itself, a katydid can turn a quiet summer night into a chorus of metallic “ka-ty-did” calls.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does katydid come from?
The English name developed as an imitative rendering of the insect’s call, with “katydiddle” recorded before the now-standard shortened form. Its precise origin is uncertain, but it is generally associated with imitative names for animal sounds. The shorter modern spelling was established in the 19th century and became especially widespread in North American English.
How katydid is actually used
The word is especially common in North American English. In British English, “bush cricket” is often the more usual general term, though “katydid” is also used.
Easily confused with katydid
A katydid belongs to a different insect family and is generally recognized by its extremely long antennae, whereas true crickets have shorter antennae and a more compact body.