noun Uncommon

burlesque

bur-LESK

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Burlesque (noun) means a variety stage show combining comic sketches, musical numbers and striptease, associated with American theatres of the early twentieth century and revived since the 1990s as a knowingly retro, glamorous performance art. Example: “She performs burlesque at a supper club, feather fans and all.”

noun

A variety stage show combining comic sketches, musical numbers and striptease, associated with American theatres of the early twentieth century and revived since the 1990s as a knowingly retro, glamorous performance art.

"She performs burlesque at a supper club, feather fans and all."

"The venue runs a burlesque night on the last Friday of the month."

"The play was a burlesque of political speeches."

"Burlesque shows were especially popular in the early 20th century."

A piece of writing, music or theatre that mocks something serious by treating it in a deliberately mismatched way — grand subjects handled cheaply, or trivial subjects handled with mock grandeur.

"The poem is a burlesque of Homer, with the heroes squabbling over a tea trolley."

"His symphony ends with a burlesque of a military march."

"The sketch burlesqued the president's mannerisms."

verb

To imitate something in an exaggerated, mocking way.

"The revue burlesqued every member of the cabinet in turn."

How to use burlesque

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA cheeky variety show with striptease — or a comic imitation that mocks something serious.

When to use it

The performance sense is now the dominant one and is neutral; the literary sense is formal and mostly appears in criticism.

Memory tip

Stress the second syllable: bur-LESK. The performer is a burlesque dancer or performer, not a 'burlesquer'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

burlesque vs vaudeville grotesque → parody →

Common pairings

burlesque show neo-burlesque burlesque dancer burlesque of a burlesque routine

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: burlesques
Third person singular: burlesques
Past tense: burlesqued
Comparative: more burlesque
Superlative: most burlesque

Test yourself on “burlesque” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She performs _____ at a supper club, feather fans and all.

Etymology

From Italian burlesco, from burla 'joke, mockery, jest', which entered English through French burlesque in the seventeenth century.

Origin: Italian

Synonyms

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parody takeoff mockery spoof charade travesty sendup put-on lampoon pasquinade cabaret variety show

Related words

club joke landing nonsense cartoon cod mock roast

Rhymes for burlesque

rue due sue cue hue blue true flue clue glue imbue pique

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Frequently asked questions

What does “burlesque” mean?

The word “burlesque” means a theatrical style that mocks or exaggerates something for comic effect, or (historically) a variety show featuring striptease and comedy. In plain terms, a comic, exaggerated parody — or historically, a raunchy variety stage show.

What is the difference between burlesque and striptease?

Striptease is simply the act of undressing for an audience. Burlesque is a whole stage form — comedy, character, costume, music and choreography — in which a tease may be the climax of a number but is not the entire point.

How do you pronounce “burlesque”?

“Burlesque” is pronounced buh-LEHSK (/bə(ɹ)ˈlɛsk/ in IPA).

What is the difference between burlesque and vaudeville?

Both were variety formats of the same era, but vaudeville was marketed as clean family entertainment while burlesque was bawdy, adult and satirical. Vaudeville bills leaned on jugglers, singers and animal acts; burlesque leaned on comics and dancers.

How do you use “burlesque” in a sentence?

Here is “burlesque” used in a sentence: “The play was a burlesque of political speeches.”

Is burlesque the same as cabaret?

They overlap but are not identical. Cabaret describes any intimate club performance of song, comedy or spoken word, whereas burlesque specifically carries the comic, teasing, costume-driven tradition.

What part of speech is “burlesque”?

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

Where does the word “burlesque” come from?

The word “burlesque” comes from French. Borrowed from French burlesque, from Italian burlesco, meaning "parodic" or "mocking".

Is “burlesque” a common word?

“Burlesque” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “burlesque” have?

“Burlesque” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a theatrical style that mocks or exaggerates something for comic effect, or (historically) a variety show featuring striptease and comedy.

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