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noun A2 Elementary Common

clown

KLOWN
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Clown (noun) means a comic performer, often in bright costume and makeup, known for slapstick and silly antics. Example: “A clown with a red nose juggled balls at the birthday party.”

noun
1
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."
"The circus clown tripped over his enormous shoes, and everybody laughed."
"The children laughed as the clown pulled endless scarves from his sleeve."
2
Someone who acts foolishly or is generally regarded as ridiculous.
"Everyone thought he was a clown after he wore a bucket on his head."
"I felt like a complete clown when I walked into the glass door."
"Stop acting like a clown and take this seriously."
verb
1
To act in a silly or playful way, often to get attention.
"Stop clowning about and help me carry these boxes."
"The twins clowned around during the photo, pulling funny faces."
"He was always clowning around in the back of the classroom."

How to use clown

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA comic performer who entertains through silly antics — or, informally, anyone acting foolish.

When to use it

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

Common pairings
clown around circus clown act like a clown
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Word forms

Plural
clowns
Third person singular
clowns
Past tense
clowned
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ with a red nose juggled balls at the birthday party.

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.

Origin: German

Synonyms

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buffoon joker comedian jokester harlequin prankster goofball goof antic jester and laughingstock

Related words

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Rhymes for clown

own down town gown sown brown blown flown grown known crown frown
See all rhymes for 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.

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