high comedy

American  

noun

1. comedy dealing with polite society, characterized by sophisticated, witty dialogue and an intricate plot.

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high comedy British  

noun

1. comedy set largely among cultured and articulate people and featuring witty dialogue Compare low comedy

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Other Word Forms

• high comedian noun

Etymology

Origin of high comedy

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

This makes for page after page of high comedy.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2023

Moreover, scenes of Kempton on the witness stand in the courtroom provide moments of high comedy.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2022

So to literally every sane person outside New England, you're welcome for the high comedy.

From Golf Digest • Oct. 14, 2019

The zone where normalcy collides with extremity — where high comedy and psychological terror keep company — is her sweet spot.

From New York Times • Dec. 7, 2017

But Doris's fancy at once divined a score of links between it and the high comedy yonder.

From A Great Success by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.