buffoon
Buffoon (noun) means someone who acts in a silly, clownish way, or who behaves so foolishly that it's almost comical. Example: “The critics called the politician a buffoon after his disastrous speech.”
How to use buffoon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA fool or clown, often used to mock someone acting ridiculous, especially in a position where it seems inappropriate.
Fairly formal and often used with a sharp, critical edge, especially in political commentary.
Word forms
buffooned past tense, buffoons plural, buffoons singular
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The critics called the politician a _____ after his disastrous speech.
Etymology
From Italian "buffone" ("jester"), from "buffare," meaning "to puff out the cheeks" — an old gesture associated with clowning around.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for buffoon
See all rhymes for buffoon →Frequently asked questions
What does “buffoon” mean?
The word “buffoon” means someone who acts in a silly, clownish way, or who behaves so foolishly that it's almost comical. In plain terms, a fool or clown, often used to mock someone acting ridiculous, especially in a position where it seems inappropriate.
How do you pronounce “buffoon”?
“Buffoon” is pronounced buh-FOON (/bəˈfuːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “buffoon” in a sentence?
Here is “buffoon” used in a sentence: “The critics called the politician a buffoon after his disastrous speech.”
What part of speech is “buffoon”?
“Buffoon” is a noun.
Where does the word “buffoon” come from?
The word “buffoon” comes from Italian. From Italian "buffone" ("jester"), from "buffare," meaning "to puff out the cheeks" — an old gesture associated with clowning around.
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