Clown

Pronunciation

• enPR: kloun, IPA: /klaÊŠn/
• Rhymes: -aÊŠn

Origin

Likely from , akin to Icelandic klunni ("klutz") and Old Frisian klönne ("klutz").

Noun

1. A performance artist often associated with a circus and typically characterised by bright, oversized clothing, a red nose, face paint, and a brightly colored wig and who performs slapstick.
2. A person who acts in a silly fashion.
3. (UK) A stupid person.
4. (obsolete) A man of coarse nature and manners; an awkward fellow; an illbred person; a boor.
5. (obsolete) One who works upon the soil; a rustic; a churl.
• CowperThe clown, the child of nature, without guile.

Synonyms

• (performance artist working in a circus)
• (person who acts in a silly fashion) buffoon, fool

Derived terms

• clown doctor
• clownfish
• clownish

Full definition of clown

Verb

1. To act in a silly fashion.

Derived terms

• clown about British
• clown around