Meaning & Definition of word "Clown"
Clown
/klaʊn/
noun:
- 1. A comic performer, often in a circus, characterized by exaggerated gestures, silly costumes, and humorous behavior, whose purpose is to entertain an audience.
- Example: The clown at the birthday party made the children laugh with his silly antics.
- 2. A person who behaves in a silly or foolish way; someone who is not taken seriously.
- Example: He always acts like a clown during meetings, making it hard to focus on the important topics.
- 3. A person who is a professional performer of entertainment meant to provoke laughter.
- Example: The circus clown juggled and performed tricks to keep the crowd engaged.
verb:
- 1. To behave in a silly or foolish way to amuse others.
- Example: He loves to clown around with his friends on weekends.
- 2. To act in a light-hearted or playful manner.
- Example: They clowned in the park, pretending to be superheroes.
Etymology
●Middle English: from clowne, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to 'clown' in a sense of 'peasant'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
clown around:
To act silly or playfully; to joke or engage in fun.
clowning around:
Engaging in playful or silly behavior.
white-faced clown:
A clown with a white face and exaggerated features, typically seen in a circus.
Related Words
jester:
A historical entertainer known for jokes and clever remarks.
fool:
A person who lacks good sense or judgment.
harlequin:
A comic character with a mask and colorful costume, traditionally a servant in Italian commedia dell'arte.
Slang Meanings of clown
Meaning: Someone who is not taken seriously, a fool.
● Example Sentence: He acts like such a clown, no one respects his opinions.
Meaning: A person who tries too hard to be funny but is not effective.
● Example Sentence: You don't have to be a clown all the time to get attention.