¹parody

noun par·o·dy \ˈper-ə-dē, ˈpa-rə-\

: a piece of writing, music, etc., that imitates the style of someone or something else in an amusing way

: a bad or unfair example of something

plural par·o·dies

Full Definition of PARODY

: a literary or musical work in which the style of an author or work is closely imitated for comic effect or in ridicule

: a feeble or ridiculous imitation

— pa·rod·ic \pə-ˈrä-dik, pa-\ adjective

— par·o·dis·tic \ˌper-ə-ˈdis-tik, ˈpa-rə-\ adjective

See parody defined for English-language learners

See parody defined for kids

Origin of PARODY

Latin parodia, from Greek parōidia, from para- + aidein to sing — more at ode

First Known Use: 1598

Related to PARODY

Synonyms: burlesque, caricature, put-on, rib, send-up, spoof, takeoff, travesty

Synonym Discussion of PARODY

caricature, burlesque, parody, travesty mean a comic or grotesque imitation. caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject <caricatures of politicians in cartoons>. burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment <a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court>. parody applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work <a witty parody of a popular novel>. travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd <this production is a travesty of the opera>.