Definition

Noun: A type of entertainment program consisting of a series of short, diverse, and unrelated acts, such as comedy sketches, musical numbers, magic tricks, acrobatics, and other performances.

Usage

A "variety show" is a format for television, radio, or live theater. It is designed to appeal to a broad audience by offering a mix of different types of entertainment in one program. The acts are typically presented by a host or master of ceremonies.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To host a variety show": To be the main presenter or master of ceremonies for such a program.
  • After her film career, she was asked to host a prime-time variety show.

Variants and Related Words

• Variety entertainment: A less common, more formal term for a variety show.
• Vaudeville: (Historical) A theatrical genre of variety entertainment popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, consisting of separate, unrelated acts.

Synonyms

• Revue: A theatrical show consisting of sketches, songs, and dances, often on a loose theme.
• Music hall: (Chiefly British) A theater or type of entertainment featuring variety acts.

Related Phrases

• Talent show: A program where contestants perform acts of varying skill, which is a competitive subset of the variety format.
• Sketch comedy show: A program consisting primarily of short comic scenes, which is one component often found in a variety show.

Noun

1. a show consisting of a series of short unrelated performances