yellow jacket

noun

plural yellow jackets

1

or yellowjacket

ˈye-lō-ˌja-kət 

ˈye-lə-

plural yellowjackets : any of various small vespid wasps (genus Vespula and Dolichovespula) typically with abdomens marked with yellow and black that build nests in the ground or less commonly in aerial locations (such as the eaves of buildings), that usually reach a length of up to .5 inches (1.3 centimeters), and that can sting repeatedly and painfully

2

slang : pentobarbital especially in a yellow capsule

—usually used in plural

Examples of yellow jacket in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the video from across the street, parked buses obscure much of view, though a vehicle can be seen slowly turning into Valhalla’s gate as a police officer in a reflective yellow jacket runs to catch up with the car. —Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 29 May 2024

When two cops tried to put a man in a yellow jacket, identified as Yohenry Brito, under arrest they were suddenly attacked by a swarm of people. —Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 1 Feb. 2024

In one clip, the supermodel wore a casual outfit including jeans and a neon yellow jacket while directing traffic as Leni and a big group of friends crossed the street together and flashed some peace signs for the camera. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024

In one video, the mom of four — sporting a casual outfit including jeans and a neon yellow jacket — can be seen directing traffic as Leni and a big group of friends cross a city street together and throw up some peace signs for the camera. —Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 5 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

yellow jacket

noun

: any of various small social wasps with yellow markings that commonly nest in the ground and can sting repeatedly and painfully

Medical Definition

yellow jacket

noun

1

or yellowjacket

ˈyel-ō-ˌjak-ət 

: any of various small, social wasps (genus Vespula and Dolichovespula of the family Vespidae) typically with abdomens marked with yellow and black that build nests in the ground or less commonly in aerial locations (as the eaves of buildings), that aggressively defend their nests, and that can sting repeatedly and painfully

2

slang : pentobarbital especially in a yellow capsule

—usually used in plural