comedian
- 01 A2 Elementary
a person whose job is to make people laugh, often by telling jokes on stage.
a professional entertainer who performs humorous routines, such as stand-up comedy, to amuse an audience.
Simple“The comedian told a funny story about his dog that made the whole audience laugh.”
In context“The comedian's sharp observational humour resonated with the audience, leading to a sold-out tour across the country.”
UsageOften used with 'stand-up' to describe a performer who speaks directly to the audience.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
someone you know who is very funny or likes to tell jokes.
an individual who is characteristically humorous or amusing in social situations.
Simple“My brother is a real comedian; he always has a joke ready for every situation.”
In context“Every office has its resident comedian who lightens the mood during stressful deadlines with well-timed quips.”
Teacher's tipIn this informal sense, it can sometimes be used sarcastically to mean someone is being annoying or silly.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
an actor who performs in plays.
a person who performs in theatrical productions; historically used for any actor but now restricted to those in comedic roles.
Simple“In the old theatre, the comedians would travel from town to town to perform.”
In context“The troupe consisted of six comedians and three musicians, all of whom were well-versed in the traditions of the commedia dell'arte.”
UsageIn modern English, this sense is almost entirely replaced by 'actor' or 'comic actor'.
From Latin cōmoedia + -an, perhaps modelled on Middle French comédien. By surface analysis, comedy + -an.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.