Clown
/klaʊn/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who entertains by performing comical acts, often wearing elaborate costumes and makeup.
/klaʊn/
A person who amuses others by playing tricks or wearing funny clothes.
The circus clown made the children laugh.
💡 Simply: A clown is like a funny person who makes you laugh with silly jokes and costumes. Imagine a person with a big red nose and funny shoes, doing silly dances!
👶 For kids: A person who is funny and wears silly clothes.
More Examples
He's such a clown; he always makes me laugh.
How It's Used
"The children loved the clown at the circus."
"He acted like a complete clown."
To behave in a silly or foolish way.
/klaʊn/
To act in a silly or foolish manner.
Stop clowning around and get to work!
💡 Simply: To 'clown around' means to act silly and goofy, like a clown at a circus. Imagine someone making faces and tripping over their own feet.
👶 For kids: To act silly.
More Examples
They were clowning around in the classroom.
How It's Used
"Don't clown around; this is serious."
Idioms & expressions
The clown's the limit
There are no boundaries or restrictions.
"Let's go crazy – the clown's the limit!"
From Middle English *cloun, from Old French *colon 'rustic, peasant, clown'. The modern sense developed gradually from its original meaning of a clumsy or awkward peasant.
Historically, the word 'clown' had a more negative connotation, associated with rustic peasantry.
Memory tip
Think of colorful clothes and silly acts.