clown

11 synonyms for clown, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A comic performer, often in bright costume and makeup, known for slapstick and silly antics.

Synonyms

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

joker comedian

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

buffoon jokester harlequin prankster goofball jester and laughingstock goof antic

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A comic performer, often in bright costume and makeup, known for slapstick and silly antics.

“A clown with a red nose juggled balls at the birthday party.”

buffoon joker comedian jokester harlequin prankster goofball jester and laughingstock goof

2. verb

To act in a silly or playful way, often to get attention.

“Stop clowning about and help me carry these boxes.”

antic

How to use clown

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

clown around circus clown act like a clown

Calling a person a "clown" (rather than describing a circus performer) is often mildly insulting, implying they aren't being taken seriously.

Etymology

Likely from Low German roots meaning "clumsy fellow" or "lump," originally describing a rustic or awkward peasant before narrowing to the comic performer we know today.

Full origin of clown →

Frequently asked questions

What does “clown” mean?

The word “clown” means a comic performer, often in bright costume and makeup, known for slapstick and silly antics. In plain terms, a comic performer who entertains through silly antics — or, informally, anyone acting foolish.

How do you pronounce “clown”?

“Clown” is pronounced KLOWN (/ˈklaʊ̯n/ in IPA).

How do you use “clown” in a sentence?

Here is “clown” used in a sentence: “The children laughed as the clown pulled endless scarves from his sleeve.”

What is another word for “clown”?

Words with a similar meaning to “clown” include jester and and laughingstock.

What part of speech is “clown”?

Depending on how it is used, “clown” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “clown” come from?

The word “clown” comes from German. Likely from Low German roots meaning "clumsy fellow" or "lump," originally describing a rustic or awkward peasant before narrowing to the comic performer we know today.

Is “clown” a common word?

“Clown” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

How many meanings does “clown” have?

“Clown” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a comic performer, often in bright costume and makeup, known for slapstick and silly antics.

What is the difference between a clown and a jester?

A clown is a comic performer, often in bright costume and makeup, known for slapstick and silly antics, and is associated with circuses and parties. A jester is a historical court entertainer who amused royalty. The two overlap, but jester carries an older, courtly connotation.

People also searched

comedian joker antic jokester goof prankster goofball jester harlequin buffoon

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of clown