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

Explanation

A clown is someone who makes people laugh, like the guy with the red nose and oversize polka dotted tie. It can also be an insult — a rude buffoon can be called a clown. To clown means to act goofy. The clowns found at circuses and birthday parties usually wear makeup and big shoes, but funny people in regular clothes are often called clowns, too, as in the class clown who tells jokes in school. Also, someone obnoxious can be called a clown, as in “that clown wrecked my car!” Acting like a clown in any way is clowning. A teacher trying to get the attention of kids who are fooling around might say, "Stop clowning around!”

Example Sentences

A whiteboard shows upcoming specials from Bargatze’s talent roster, including his father, Stephen, a magician whose former career as a clown provided Bargatze with plenty of material.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

When he gazed at the camera as Pennywise the clown, the resulting alert conveyed no concern about the menacing visage.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

His dad’s words echoed in his head as he entered the prison in Walla Walla, where he was first placed: “Are you going to be a clown fish or a shark?”

From Slate • May 2, 2026

The Syrian Revolution inspired Zaalan to become a clown after losing friends, acquaintances and inspirations who were truth tellers and artists.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

He looked like somebody who had flunked clown school.

From "Lawn Boy" by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

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