noun / verb
clown
KLOWN/klaʊn/
An entertainer using exaggerated foolish behavior for amusement.
The clown juggles while balancing on one enormous shoe.
Etymology
The origin is obscure, but the earlier English meaning was a rustic or coarse-mannered person. That rustic figure became a professional fool or stage jester, leading to the comic performer.
In context
Dressed in clown outfits and makeup, they will do whatever it takes
More examples
- The children laugh as the clown pretends to wrestle a balloon.
- We clown around while we wait for rehearsal to start.
- She clowned for the camera, making everyone smile.
Forms
clown · clowns · clowned · clowning
clownish adjective — Silly or ridiculous in an exaggerated way.
Similar words
- comedian
- A comedian typically relies on jokes rather than exaggerated physical antics.
- jester
- A jester traditionally entertains a ruler or royal court.