English Reference
noun

sitcom

n.
US /ˈsɪtˌkɑm/ UK /sˈɪtkɒm/ sit·com UK spelling sitcoms

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    a funny TV show about a group of people who are in the same place every week, like a family or office.

    a television or radio series featuring a consistent set of characters in everyday situations, often using a laugh track or live audience.

    Simple

    My favourite sitcom is about a group of friends living in New York.

    In context

    The network's latest sitcom relies heavily on nostalgic tropes and a traditional multi-camera setup to appeal to older viewers.

    Usage

    often used as a compound noun or before another noun, as in 'sitcom star' or 'sitcom writer'.

    comedy seriessituation comedy
  2. 02 C2 Proficiency InformalBritish English

    a person or couple with one income, two children, and a very large mortgage.

    an acronym for 'single income, two children, outrageous mortgage', used to describe a specific socioeconomic demographic.

    Simple

    With rising house prices, many young families are living as sitcoms.

    In context

    The report highlighted the growing number of 'sitcoms' in the suburbs who are struggling to keep up with high interest rates on a single salary.

    Usage

    used primarily in sociological or financial discussions regarding housing affordability.


Shortening of situation comedy.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated