Word
jester
US/ˈdʒɛstɝ/
UK/dʒˈɛstɐ/
Definition
n. a person who makes jokes and tells funny stories to entertain others, especially in the past at a king's court. They often wore colorful clothes and used a funny hat.
n. a professional entertainer who performed at the court of a monarch, typically through jest, satire, or physical comedy. Historically associated with the medieval period and the role of the fool in Shakespearean drama.
Examples
“The jester made the king laugh with his silly jokes.”
“During the medieval feast, the jester performed a series of acrobatic tricks to keep the guests entertained.”
“The jester served not only as a source of amusement but also as a subtle critic of the court, using coded language to point out the king's flaws without direct reproach.”
Examples
simple
“The jester made the king laugh with his silly jokes.”
contextual
“During the medieval feast, the jester performed a series of acrobatic tricks to keep the guests entertained.”
complex
“The jester served not only as a source of amusement but also as a subtle critic of the court, using coded language to point out the king's flaws without direct reproach.”
Real-World Examples
“Andy was the Sun ’s court jester but in the original meaning of the term, which goes far beyond playing the fool.” “But this book shows he is much less macho, constantly examining his own motives and often finding himself ridiculous, “a capering jester”.” Etymology
From Middle English gestour; equivalent to jest + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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