Rabelaisian

[ rab-uh-ley-zee-uhn, -zhuhn ]

/ ˌræb əˈleɪ zi ən, -ʒən /

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adjective

of, relating to, or suggesting François Rabelais, whose work is characterized by broad, coarse humor and keen satire.

noun

a person who admires or studies the works of Rabelais.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of Rabelaisian

First recorded in 1855–60; Rabelais + -ian

Words nearby Rabelaisian

rabble-rouser, rabble-rousing, Rabe, Rabelais, Rabelais, François, Rabelaisian, Rabi, Rabia, rabid, rabies, Rabi I

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Rabelaisian in a sentence

There, by lantern or candle-stump, wit Rabelaisian, Aristophanic or Antarctic was cradled into rhyme.
The Home of the Blizzard|Douglas Mawson
Ladies "in a coming on humour" abound, and Charles is involved with his Paladins in gauloiseries of a Rabelaisian cast.
Homer and His Age|Andrew Lang
A most vigorous and spirited Rabelaisian tale, of equal value to the student of literature or Irish legend.
Parzival (vol. 1 of 2)|Wolfram von Eschenback
There was something piquant—Villonesque, or jovial—Rabelaisian, about the pickpockets of that tribe.
Turns about Town|Robert Cortes Holliday

I have a yearning to converse with the host of the Black Boar, a fat Rabelaisian scoundrel who has piqued my imagination.
The Belovd Vagabond|William J. Locke

British Dictionary definitions for Rabelaisian

Rabelaisian

/ (ˌræbəˈleɪzɪən, -ʒən) /

adjective

of, relating to, or resembling the work of Rabelais, esp by broad, often bawdy humour and sharp satire

noun

a student or admirer of Rabelais

Derived forms of Rabelaisian

Rabelaisianism, noun

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