punchinello

noun

pun·​chi·​nel·​lo ˌpən-chə-ˈne-(ˌ)lō How to pronounce punchinello (audio)
1
capitalized : a fat short humpbacked clown or buffoon in Italian puppet shows
2
plural punchinellos : a squat grotesque person

Illustration of punchinello

Illustration of punchinello
  • Punchinello

Word History

Etymology

modification of Italian dialect polecenella

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of punchinello was in 1662

Dictionary Entries Near punchinello

punch in

punchinello

punchiness

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Punchinello.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punchinello. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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