# jester

/ˈdʒɛstɝ/ (US) · /dʒˈɛstɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jester
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.