noun

clowning

KLOW-nihng

Clowning (noun) means Silly, playful behavior, often for laughs or attention. Example: “His clowning during the meeting got him a stern look from the boss.”

noun

Silly, playful behavior, often for laughs or attention.

"His clowning during the meeting got him a stern look from the boss."

How to use clowning

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFooling around or acting silly, usually to get a laugh.

Common pairings

clowning around

Word forms

clownings plural

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His _____ during the meeting got him a stern look from the boss.

Synonyms

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comedy prank frivolity japery drollery funniness buffoonery harlequinade

Related words

joke laugh comedy wit cod humour prank hoax

Rhymes for clowning

downing browning drowning crowning frowning

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Frequently asked questions

What does “clowning” mean?

The word “clowning” means silly, playful behavior, often for laughs or attention. In plain terms, fooling around or acting silly, usually to get a laugh.

How do you pronounce “clowning”?

“Clowning” is pronounced KLOW-nihng (/ˈklaʊnɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “clowning” in a sentence?

Here is “clowning” used in a sentence: “His clowning during the meeting got him a stern look from the boss.”

What part of speech is “clowning”?

“Clowning” is a noun.

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