clown

1 of 2

noun

ˈklau̇n 

1

: farmer, countryman

2

: a rude ill-bred person : boor

3

a

: a fool, jester, or comedian in an entertainment (such as a play)

specifically : a grotesquely dressed comedy performer in a circus

b

: a person who habitually jokes and plays the buffoon

c

: joker sense 1b

clown

2 of 2

verb

clowned; clowning; clowns

intransitive verb

: to act as or like a clown

always clowning around

Synonyms

Noun

• buffo
• buffoon
• harlequin
• zany

Verb

• act up
• cut up
• fool around
• horse around
• hotdog
• monkey (around)
• show off
• showboat
• skylark

Examples of clown in a Sentence

Noun

Those big shoes make you look like a clown!

Who's the clown standing in the middle of the road?

those clowns at the state capital

Verb

as a youngster he was always clowning around in the classroom

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The sequel is part prison drama, part musical, as incarcerated clown Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) goes on trial for multiple murders but finds a mercurial soulmate in an understanding super-fan (Lady Gaga). —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024

Many travelers make the 210-mile drive north from Las Vegas just for the clown experience. —Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024

Verb

A little bit less clowning around and a bit more focus and that's it, really. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

To paraphrase a French clowning instructor, a little cursive singing is okay, but a lot is more difficult. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably of Low German origin; akin to Frisian klönne clumsy fellow, Old English clyne lump of metal

First Known Use

Noun

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1599, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing clown

• ass-clown
• clown fish
• play the clown
• the class clown

Kids Definition

clown

1 of 2 noun

ˈklau̇n 

1

: a rude and often stupid person

2

: a performer (as in a play or circus) who usually wears funny clothes and makeup and tries to make people laugh

clownish

ˈklau̇-nish

adjective

clownishly adverb

clownishness noun

clown

2 of 2 verb

: to act like a clown