Zanni

noun

Zan·​ni

ˈ(d)zänē

plural Zanni or Zannis

1

: a madcap clown in masked comedy traditionally from Bergamo, Italy usually playing the part of a comic servant and indulging in acrobatic antics and tricks compare pierrot

2

: a clown resembling Harlequin

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Italian dialect (Lombardy) Zanni, nickname from the name Italian Giovanni John, from Late Latin Joannes

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for Zanni

• canny
• cranny
• fanny
• grannie
• granny
• nannie
• nanny
• tympani
• uncanny