noun Uncommon

sitcom

SIHT-kom

Sitcom (noun) means a television comedy series built around a recurring set of characters and a fixed setting, usually with a self-contained story each episode. Example: “Friends is one of the most successful sitcoms of all time.”

noun

A television comedy series built around a recurring set of characters and a fixed setting, usually with a self-contained story each episode.

"Friends is one of the most successful sitcoms of all time."

"The show follows the classic sitcom formula: a workplace, a quirky cast, and a laugh track."

How to Use Sitcom

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishShort for "situation comedy" — a funny TV show with the same characters and setting every episode.

Common pairings

a hit sitcom sitcom character classic sitcom

Word Forms

sitcoms plural

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Fill the Gap

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Friends is one of the most successful _____ of all time.

Etymology

A shortening of "situation comedy."

Synonyms

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situation comedy comedy series comedy show

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “sitcom” mean?

The word “sitcom” means a television comedy series built around a recurring set of characters and a fixed setting, usually with a self-contained story each episode. In plain terms, short for "situation comedy" — a funny TV show with the same characters and setting every episode.

How do you pronounce “sitcom”?

“Sitcom” is pronounced SIHT-kom (/ˈsɪtˌkɑm/ in IPA).

How do you use “sitcom” in a sentence?

Here is “sitcom” used in a sentence: “Friends is one of the most successful sitcoms of all time.”

What part of speech is “sitcom”?

“Sitcom” is a noun.

Is “sitcom” a common word?

“Sitcom” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between a sitcom and a drama series?

A sitcom is a television comedy built around recurring characters and a fixed setting, with each episode typically telling a self-contained, humorous story. A drama series focuses on serious or dramatic storylines and often features ongoing plots that carry over between episodes.

Why are sitcoms usually self-contained per episode?

Sitcoms are structured so each episode presents its own complete story with the same characters and setting, making them easy to watch in any order. This format also suits the shorter runtime and comedic pacing typical of the genre.

Is sitcom a formal or informal word?

Sitcom is a widely accepted informal shortening of "situation comedy" and is used in everyday speech, entertainment journalism, and casual writing alike.