First Known Use: 1776
Dictionary
charade
noun cha·rade \shə-ˈrād, -ˈräd\
: something that is done in order to pretend something is true when it is not really true
charades : a game in which players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who is not allowed to speak
Full Definition of CHARADE
1
: a word represented in riddling verse or by picture, tableau, or dramatic action
2
plural : a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak
3
: an empty or deceptive act or pretense <his concern was a charade>
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Origin of CHARADE
French, from Occitan charrado chat, from charrá to chat, chatter
Related to CHARADE
Rhymes with CHARADE
abrade, afraid, air raid, arcade, Band-Aid, barmaid, Belgrade, blockade, bondmaid, bridesmaid, brigade, brocade, cascade, clichéd, cockade, corrade, cross-trade, crusade, decade, degrade, dissuade, downgrade, evade, eyeshade, fair-trade, first aid, glissade, grenade, handmade, homemade, housemaid, inlaid, invade, limeade, low-grade, man-made, mermaid, milkmaid, navaid, nightshade, nursemaid, old maid, parade, persuade, pervade, plain-laid, pomade, postpaid, sacheted, scalade, sea-maid, self-made, stockade, sunshade, switchblade, torsade, twayblade, twice-laid, unbraid, unlade, unmade, unpaid, upbraid, upgrade
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