comedian

[kuh-mee-dee-uhn]

noun

1. a professional entertainer who amuses by relating anecdotes, acting out comical situations, engaging in humorous repartee, etc.

2. an actor in comedy.

3. a writer of comedy.

4. any comical or amusing person.

comedian

/ kəˈmiːdɪən /

noun

1. an entertainer who specializes in jokes, comic skits, etc

2. an actor in comedy

3. an amusing or entertaining person: sometimes used ironically

Word History and Origins

Origin of comedian¹

1575–85; < Middle French comediain; comedy, -ian

Example Sentences

The legendary comedian George Carlin had a famous routine about stuff— something my dad had shown me from time to time over the years.

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Mr. Apatow began interviewing professional comedians when he was a teenager.

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There was a time when KevOnStage was a very literal description of comedian Kevin Fredericks as a hungry comedian looking for stage time.

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For Wood, the show is one job in the endless hustle that is the professional life of a stand-up comedian.

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This year's charity performance was hosted by comedian Jason Manford and featured stars including Sir Stephen Fry, fresh from his appearance on The Celebrity Traitors, and singer Jessie J.

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Related Words

• actor 
• clown 
• comic 
• entertainer 
• humorist