whiteface

American  

[hwahyt-feys, wahyt-] / ˈʰwaɪtˌfeɪs, ˈwaɪt- /

noun

1. a Hereford.

2. Theater.

   1. a performer, as a clown, who appears in clown white.

   2. the white facial makeup used by such a performer.

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Etymology

Origin of whiteface

First recorded in 1700–10; white + face

Example Sentences

Further, she criticized Chicago police for their alleged failure to investigate an online video showing one of the brothers “in whiteface doing a joke monologue with white makeup on,”

From Seattle Times

This role is played by Matthew Hancock, who while delivering a sprawling monologue, applies whiteface in preparation of taking on the roles of both George and M’Closky.

From Los Angeles Times

There is whiteface, redface and blackface, along with narrative flourishes delivered by a stand-in for the playwright himself.

From Los Angeles Times

In the final act, as Tesfaye sang Blinding Lights, he was surrounded by identically dressed dancers wearing whiteface bandages.

From The Guardian

Interspersed among the personal stories, Ms. Pindell appears as a second character in whiteface and a blonde wig.

From New York Times