Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Zanni

noun
Zan·​ni | \ˈ(d)zänē\
plural Zanni or Zannis

Definition of Zanni 

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

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for Zanni

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Zanni

Statistics for Zanni

Look-up Popularity

Comments on Zanni

What made you want to look up Zanni? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

admonish

to express warning or disapproval

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Autumn Words of the Day 2018

  • a-top-down-image-of-road-through-an-autumn-forest
  • Which is a synonym of fugacious?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games