Definition

1. Noun:

   • A performer who entertains by acting in a funny, exaggerated, or ridiculous way: A "clown" is a person, often in a circus or at a party, who wears colorful costumes and makeup to make people laugh through jokes, tricks, and physical comedy.
   • A foolish or incompetent person: Informally, a "clown" can describe someone who behaves in a silly, ridiculous, or annoying manner.

2. Verb:

   • To act in a silly or foolish way: To "clown" means to behave like a clown, often to amuse others or to act in a manner that is not serious.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The circus clown made all the children laugh with his big red nose and funny walk.
  • Don't be such a clown; this is a serious meeting and we need to focus.

• Verb:

  • He spent the whole party clowning around and telling jokes.
  • Stop clowning and help me with this heavy box.

Advanced Usage

• "to clown on someone": (informal) To mock or make fun of someone in a humorous way.

  • The comedians love to clown on the politicians during their show.

• "class clown": A student in a school class who is always joking and trying to make other students laugh.

  • He was the class clown, always getting in trouble for making jokes during lessons.

Variants and Related Words

• Clownish (adj): Behaving in a silly, awkward, or exaggerated way like a clown.

  • His clownish behavior was not appropriate for the formal dinner.

• Clownery (n): The art or behavior of a clown; clownish acts.

  • The show was full of acrobatics and clownery.

Synonyms

• Noun (performer): Jester, buffoon, comedian, fool.
• Noun (foolish person): Buffoon, joker, idiot, dolt.
• Verb: Joke, jest, fool around, horse around.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Clown around: To act in a silly or playful way, often when you should be serious.
  • The boys were told to stop clowning around in the library.

Related Idioms

• "Send in the clowns": An expression used to suggest that a situation has become absurd or chaotic, often implying that a distraction or comic relief is needed. (This originates from a famous song in the musical A Little Night Music.)

  • When the project started failing, it felt like it was time to send in the clowns.

• "As funny as a clown": Used to describe someone or something that is very humorous.

  • My uncle is as funny as a clown; he can make anyone laugh.

Noun

1. a person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior
2. a rude or vulgar fool

Verb

1. act as or like a clown