comedian

noun

co·​me·​di·​an kə-ˈmē-dē-ən 

1

archaic

a

: a writer of comedies

b

: an actor who plays comic roles

2

: a comical individual

specifically : a professional entertainer who uses any of various physical or verbal means to be amusing

Synonyms of comedian

• comic
• entertainer
• joker
• humorist
• wit
• funnyman
• clown

Examples of comedian in a Sentence

You'll like my friend. He's a real comedian.

struggled to eke out a living as a comedian in nightclubs

Recent Examples on the Web

Encouragement from his longtime confidante and collaborator helped the comedian write about the loss of his beloved home before Reiner’s tragic killing in December 2025 alongside his wife, Michele, in Brentwood. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

The comedian's passion for burgers goes well beyond punchlines. — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Accepting the Legacy Award at age 70, the comedian reflected on the significance of the recognition and encouraged others to believe in themselves. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

For those wondering what vibe the comedian—no stranger to stirring up controversy—is offering up this time, look no further than the special’s subtitle. — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for comedian

• paramedian
• submedian

Kids Definition

comedian

noun

co·​me·​di·​an kə-ˈmēd-ē-ən 

1

: an actor who plays in comedy

2

: a comical individual

especially : a humorous professional entertainer