yellow jacket

noun

1. any of several paper wasps of the family Vespidae, having black and bright yellow bands.
2. Slang. a yellow capsule of phenobarbital.

yellow jacket

noun

1. any of several social wasps of the genus Vespa, having yellow markings on the body

Word History and Origins

Origin of yellow jacket¹

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Her words three years ago turned the former Los Angeles youth poet laureate into an instant icon, down to her meme-ified yellow jacket and bright red headband.

From Los Angeles Times

The two girls walking down the block described what the person in the yellow jacket was doing in at least one of the videos.

From Los Angeles Times

These workers are meant to be easily recognized by the yellow jackets or vests they wear.

From Los Angeles Times

From March 6 to 23, six “safety ambassadors” in bright yellow jackets patrolled areas near the school, but not on campus, from 6:30 p.m. until 3:30 a.m.

From New York Times

On the screen, a stairway was wheeled over, and a cluster of men in bright yellow jackets descended from the plane.

From Seattle Times