comedian
[kuh-mee-dee-uh n]
- a professional entertainer who amuses by relating anecdotes, acting out comical situations, engaging in humorous repartee, etc.
- an actor in comedy.
- a writer of comedy.
- any comical or amusing person.
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Origin of comedian
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for comedian
Contemporary Examples
The atmosphere on campuses has gotten repressive enough that comedian Chris Rock no longer plays colleges.
The comedian responded to the deadly attack on a French satirical magazine by renewing his recent criticisms of the Islamic faith.
Bill Maher: Hundreds of Millions of Muslims Support Attack on ‘Charlie Hebdo’Lloyd Grove
January 8, 2015
Then there was an event, an HRC event, and I took a picture with Monique, the actress and comedian.
Team Cosby has vehemently denied the allegations, dating back at least to a 2004 lawsuit that the comedian settled out of court.
The comedian was right to call out Bill Cosby, but his material is littered with jokes about rape.
Historical Examples
Rjane is the most comedian of comedians, and an artist when she wishes to be.
My Double LifeSarah Bernhardt
"Well then, I want the last speech of all," the comedian declared.
The comedian finished, and the orchestra noisily chorded him off.
The Yellow ClawSax Rohmer
No, since theatres have existed, never has there been a comedian of his ability.
The NabobAlphonse Daudet
Irish Johnstone, the comedian, was known to be rather parsimonious.
The Jest BookMark Lemon
comedian
- an entertainer who specializes in jokes, comic skits, etc
- an actor in comedy
- an amusing or entertaining person: sometimes used ironically
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for comedian
n.
1580s, "comic poet," later (c.1600) "stage actor in comedies," also, generally, "actor," from Middle French comédien, from comédie (see comedy). Meaning "professional joke-teller, etc." is from 1898.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper