# vaudeville

/ˈvɑdvɪɫ/ (US) · /vˈɔːdəvˌɪl/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vaudeville
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

a type of old-fashioned theater show that includes many different acts like singing, dancing, and comedy. It was very popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

For teachers: a style of theatrical entertainment consisting of a series of short, varied acts, including music, dance, and comedy. Historically significant as a precursor to modern variety shows and musical theater.

## Examples

- The theater was famous for its vaudeville performances.
- During the early twentieth century, vaudeville was the primary form of popular entertainment for middle-class audiences across the United States.
- The transition from vaudeville to the modern musical was marked by the increasing integration of narrative structure and the rise of the cinematic medium.

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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.