clown

American  

[kloun] / klaʊn /

noun

1. a comic performer, as in a circus, theatrical production, or the like, who wears an outlandish costume and makeup and entertains by pantomiming common situations or actions in exaggerated or ridiculous fashion, by juggling or tumbling, etc.

2. a person who acts like a clown; comedian; joker; buffoon; jester.

3. a prankster; a practical joker.

   Synonyms:

   churl, lout

4. Slang. a coarse, ill-bred person; a boor.

   Synonyms:

   bumpkin

5. a peasant; rustic.

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verb (used without object)

1. to act like a clown.

clown British  

/ klaʊn /

noun

1. a comic entertainer, usually grotesquely costumed and made up, appearing in the circus

2. any performer who elicits an amused response

3. someone who plays jokes or tricks

4. a person who acts in a comic or buffoon-like manner

5. a coarse clumsy rude person; boor

6. archaic a countryman or rustic

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verb

1. to perform as a clown

2. to play jokes or tricks

3. to act foolishly

Other Word Forms

• clownery noun
• clownish adjective
• clownishly adverb
• clownishness noun

Etymology

Origin of clown

1555–65; earlier cloyne, clowne, perhaps akin to Old Norse klunni boor, Danish dialect klunds, Swedish dialect klunn log

Example Sentences

Even a clown can do immense damage when enough people mistake performance for truth.

From Salon

In a report released last month, Bongino was described as “something of a clown.”

From Salon

“It” and “It: Chapter Two,” the adaptations of Stephen King’s epic 1986 novel, featured numerous horrific moments courtesy of the deadly clown Pennywise.

From Los Angeles Times

That echoed a recent report from a national alliance of retired and active duty agents and analysts, which described Bongino as “something of a clown.”

From Salon

Just then, Kendrick, the class clown/my lab partner, comes up to our table.

From Literature

Related Words

• buffoon
• comedian
• comic
• fool
• jester
• mime
• prankster