comic

American  

[kom-ik] / ˈkɒm ɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by comedy.

   comic opera.

2. of or relating to a person who acts in or writes comedy.

   a comic actor; a comic dramatist.

3. of, relating to, or characteristic of comedy.

   comic situations; a comic sense.

4. provoking laughter; humorous; funny; laughable.

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noun

1. a comedian.

2. comic book.

3. comics, comic strips.

4. the comic, the element or quality of comedy in literature, art, drama, etc..

   An appreciation of the comic came naturally to her.

comic British  

/ ˈkɒmɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, characterized by, or characteristic of comedy

2. (prenominal) acting in, writing, or composing comedy

   a comic writer

3. humorous; funny

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noun

1. a person who is comic, esp a comic actor; comedian

2. a book or magazine containing comic strips

3. (usually plural) comic strips in newspapers, etc

Other Word Forms

• noncomic adjective
• quasi-comic adjective
• semicomic adjective
• uncomic adjective

Etymology

Origin of comic

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin cōmicus < Greek kōmikós, equivalent to kôm ( os ) a revel + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

“All I want to do is make a whole pot of coffee, get the paper and a big stack of unread comic books, and sit on the porch.”

From Los Angeles Times

In the video, the Kalogeras Sisters said they felt disrespected by staff and attacked by the comics in the audience.

From Los Angeles Times

The world-renowned Canadian comic actor was the shining star and scene-stealer of every film and television show she was cast in.

From Salon

There is no audience during these moments, just comics being vulnerable with one another.

From Los Angeles Times

"I'd describe myself as a comic rather than a stand-up comedian," he reflected.

From BBC

Related Words

• clown
• comedian
• humorist
• stooge