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clowning

  • present participle
    of clown.
    clown
    noun
    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.

Example Sentences

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Now even Dolly-esque clowning can’t save country music’s current stars from having to take unambiguous positions.

From Salon Aug. 27, 2026

Therapists sometimes even recommend their patients take clowning.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 26, 2026

Danielle Smith, a union leader, discovered clowning after falling down an internet rabbit hole.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 26, 2026

An audience expecting acrobatic basketball stunts and on-court clowning set to “Sweet Georgia Brown,” the Globetrotters’ signature song, was instead treated to a real, close-fought exhibition.

From Salon Aug. 19, 2026

She would miss Gid and her pinch-faced earnestness, yes, and Hasina too, with her wicked laugh and reckless clowning around.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini