burlesque

¹bur·lesque

noun \(ˌ)bər-ˈlesk\

Definition of BURLESQUE

1

: a literary or dramatic work that seeks to ridicule by means of grotesque exaggeration or comic imitation

2

: mockery usually by caricature

3

: theatrical entertainment of a broadly humorous often earthy character consisting of short turns, comic skits, and sometimes striptease acts

— burlesque adjective

— bur·lesque·ly adverb

Examples of BURLESQUE

1. The book is a burlesque of Victorian society.
2. a writer whose burlesque often bordered on cruelty
3. Several important 20th-century performers got their start in burlesque.

Origin of BURLESQUE

burlesque, adjective, comic, droll, from French, from Italian burlesco, from burla joke, from Spanish

First Known Use: 1667

Related to BURLESQUE

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

Related Words: burlecue; lampoon, mockery, satire; comedy, farce, humor, sketch, slapstick, squib; distortion, exaggeration; imitation, impersonation, mimicking

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See Synonym Discussion at caricature

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

Rhymes with BURLESQUE

grotesque, moresque