noun
Uncommon
parody
PA-ruh-dee
Parody (noun) means a piece of writing, music, or performance that imitates something else for comic or mocking effect. Example: “The sketch was a parody of a well-known singing competition.”
noun
1
A piece of writing, music, or performance that imitates something else for comic or mocking effect.
"The sketch was a parody of a well-known singing competition."
"His novel is a parody of hard-boiled detective fiction."
"The film is a cheerful parody of old space adventures, full of cardboard sets."
verb
1
To imitate someone or something in a mocking, exaggerated way for comic effect.
"The comedian parodied the president's speech style perfectly."
"The students parodied their headteacher in the end-of-term show, and even she laughed."
"Many satirical magazines parody famous adverts by changing a few key words."
How to use parody
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA funny imitation of something, made to poke fun at it.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a parody of
parody song
parody account
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Word forms
- Plural
- parodies
- Third person singular
- parodies
- Past tense
- parodied
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The sketch was a _____ of a well-known singing competition.
Etymology
From Greek parōidia, from para- ("beside") + ōidē ("song") — literally a "counter-song."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for parody
See all rhymes for parody →Frequently asked questions
What does “parody” mean?
The word “parody” means a piece of writing, music, or performance that imitates something else for comic or mocking effect. In plain terms, a funny imitation of something, made to poke fun at it.
How do you pronounce “parody”?
“Parody” is pronounced PA-ruh-dee (/ˈpæɹədi/ in IPA).
How do you use “parody” in a sentence?
Here is “parody” used in a sentence: “The sketch was a parody of a well-known singing competition.”
What part of speech is “parody”?
Depending on how it is used, “parody” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “parody” come from?
The word “parody” comes from Greek. From Greek parōidia, from para- ("beside") + ōidē ("song") — literally a "counter-song.".
Is “parody” a common word?
“Parody” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “parody” have?
“Parody” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of writing, music, or performance that imitates something else for comic or mocking effect.
What is the difference between parody and satire?
Parody imitates a specific work, style, or person for comic or mocking effect, closely mimicking its form. Satire is broader, using humour, irony, or exaggeration to criticize behaviour, institutions, or society generally, and does not need to imitate a specific source.
Is parody legal under copyright law?
In many countries, parody is protected under fair use or fair dealing exceptions to copyright law because it transforms the original work for comic or critical purposes. However, the exact legal protection varies by jurisdiction and depends on how the parody is created and used.
What is the difference between a parody and a spoof?
Parody and spoof are closely related and often used interchangeably, both describing an imitation created for comic or mocking effect. Spoof tends to be a more informal, lighter term, while parody is used in both casual and more formal or critical contexts.
