Definition

1. Noun:
   • A humorous television program based on situations that could arise in everyday life: A "sitcom" is a genre of comedy television show that features a recurring cast of characters in a common environment, deriving humor from relatable, everyday situations.
   • A humorous drama based on situations that might arise in day-to-day life: This definition emphasizes the narrative and dramatic structure of the genre, where humor is woven into stories mimicking real-life scenarios.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • "Friends" is one of the most famous sitcoms of all time.
  • We watch a classic sitcom every evening after dinner.
  • The new sitcom about a dysfunctional family is very funny.

Advanced Usage

• As a cultural reference: The term "sitcom" is often used to describe a predictable or formulaic series of humorous events in real life.
  • Their office dynamics felt like a bad sitcom.
• Genre specification: Used to distinguish this format from other types of comedy like sketch comedy or stand-up specials.
  • He prefers character-driven sitcoms over slapstick comedy.

Variants and Related Words

• Situation comedy: The full form of the term "sitcom."
  • The situation comedy was a staple of 1990s television.
• Comedy series: A broader term that can include sitcoms.
  • The network is looking to develop a new comedy series.

Synonyms

• Comedy show: A general term for a television program designed to be humorous.
• TV comedy: Specifically denotes a comedy program made for television.

Related Phrases

• Sitcom writing: Refers to the specific craft of writing scripts for this genre.
  • She studied sitcom writing in college.
• Sitcom trope: A common or overused theme or device in sitcoms.
  • The "will they, won't they" romance is a classic sitcom trope.

Idioms and Cultural References

• Laugh track: While not an idiom containing the word "sitcom," the canned laughter of a laugh track is strongly associated with traditional sitcoms.
  • The sitcom used a loud laugh track to cue the audience.
• To be straight out of a sitcom: Used to describe a real-life situation that is absurdly funny or stereotypical, as if scripted for a sitcom.
  • The misunderstanding was so perfect, it was straight out of a sitcom.

Noun

1. a humorous television program based on situations that could arise in everyday life
2. a humorous drama based on situations that might arise in day-to-day life