clown

[kloun]

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.

verb (used without object)

1. to act like a clown.

clown

/ 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

verb

1. to perform as a clown

2. to play jokes or tricks

3. to act foolishly

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of clown¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of clown¹

C16: perhaps of Low German origin; compare Frisian klönne, Icelandic klunni clumsy fellow

Example Sentences

In May, he angrily dismissed a suggestion he was a clown, referencing a report which said he was "teetering between hero and clown" before the Europa League final.

From BBC

“It’s like: I’m being a clown again. And she could see right through it.”

From Los Angeles Times

“From his hair, to his sputter, to his strut, Penn makes a clown show out of hypocritical ultraconservative piety,” says Amy Nicholson.

From Los Angeles Times

He proved there is wisdom in playing the clown in politics - if it gets you attention.

From BBC

"Mohanad had many friends, he was loyal and often played the class clown, simply to see them laugh," the family added.

From BBC

Related Words

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