First Known Use: 1563
Dictionary
1clown
noun \ˈklau̇n\
: someone who performs in a circus, who wears funny clothes and makeup, and who tries to make people laugh
: someone who often does funny things to make people laugh
: a rude or stupid person
Full Definition of CLOWN
1
: farmer, countryman
2
: a rude ill-bred person : boor
3
a : a fool, jester, or comedian in an entertainment (as a play); specifically : a grotesquely dressed comedy performer in a circus b : a person who habitually jokes and plays the buffoon c : joker 1b
See clown defined for English-language learners
See clown defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CLOWN
probably of Low German origin; akin to Frisian klönne clumsy fellow, Old English clyne lump of metal
2clown
verb
: to act like a clown : to say funny things or act in a silly way
Full Definition of CLOWN
intransitive verb
: to act as or like a clown <always clowning around>
See clown defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CLOWN
1599
CLOWN Defined for Kids
1clown
noun \ˈklau̇n\
Definition of CLOWN for Kids
1
: a performer (as in a circus) who entertains by playing tricks and who usually wears comical clothes and makeup
2
: someone who does things to make people laugh
2clown
verb
clownedclown·ing
Definition of CLOWN for Kids
: to act in a funny or silly way : act like a clown
Learn More About CLOWN
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up clown? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).