burlesque

noun

bur·lesque | \ (ˌ)bər-ˈlesk

Definition of burlesque

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 literature : a literary or dramatic work that seeks to ridicule by means of grotesque exaggeration or comic imitation a burlesque of Victorian society

2 : mockery usually by caricature a writer whose burlesque often bordered on cruelty

3 : theatrical entertainment of a broadly humorous often earthy character consisting of short turns (see turn entry 2 sense 4d), comic skits, and sometimes striptease acts performers who got their start in burlesque

burlesque

verb

burlesqued; burlesquing

Definition of burlesque (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to imitate in a humorous or derisive manner : mock a work burlesquing Sherlock Holmes

intransitive verb

: to employ burlesque a temptation to burlesque

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Choose the Right Synonym for burlesque

Noun

caricature, burlesque, parody, travesty mean a comic or grotesque imitation. caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject. caricatures of politicians in cartoons burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment. a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court parody applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work. a witty parody of a popular novel travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd. this production is a travesty of the opera

Examples of burlesque in a Sentence

Noun

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

Verb

burlesquing the teacher's nervous tic isn't very nice

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Harington did a burlesque striptease during the show, so there was truly something for everyone. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kit Harington Had a Mini Game of Thrones Reunion for His SNL Debut," 7 Apr. 2019 Their date was hot like fire at the burlesque show Little Miss Nasty. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "Jenna Dewan and Boyfriend Steve Kazee Just Had the Hottest Date Ever," 22 Feb. 2019 Boyfriend combines high-speed rap screeds with tongue in cheek burlesque dancing to achieve one of the most unique vibes in the music biz. — Doug Maccash, NOLA.com, "Burlesque rapper Boyfriend blows away Jazz Fest 2018," 5 May 2018 When the Phil is off, expect to see touring bands, comedians, and local burlesque or variety shows; keep an eye out for a new addition to the programming: classic movies backed by a live orchestra, a local favorite. — Paul Oswell, Condé Nast Traveler, "15 Best Things To Do In New Orleans," 4 Mar. 2018 On an online resume, Sayoc described himself as a booker and promoter for burlesque shows. — Michael Biesecker, The Seattle Times, "Bomb suspect: Ex-stripper with cash problems, Trump devotion," 27 Oct. 2018 Florida often mashes up references in bizarre and absurd ways, so the character of Lady Voldemort doing burlesque was perfect for a gig at San Fran fixture Oasis. — Gabe Bergado, Teen Vogue, "Drag Performer Florida Man Slays Ariana Grande's "Dangerous Woman" as Lady Voldemort from "Harry Potter"," 8 Oct. 2018 Sip an Old Fashioned while enjoying one of Skull's iconic burlesque shows. — Kristin Luna, Condé Nast Traveler, "14 Best Bars in Nashville," 27 Feb. 2018 The History Besides the waves of Cubans that Union City has attracted over the years, earning it the nickname Havana on the Hudson, the city has also been home to Hudson County’s burlesque and vaudeville scene. — New York Times, "Union City, N.J.: Close to the City, but Still Affordable," 9 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'burlesque.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near burlesque

Statistics for burlesque

Last Updated

10 May 2019

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Time Traveler for burlesque

The first known use of burlesque was in 1667

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More Definitions for burlesque

burlesque

noun

English Language Learners Definition of burlesque

: a play, story, novel, etc., that makes a serious subject seem funny or ridiculous

: a kind of entertainment that was popular in the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and that included funny performances, singing, dancing, etc., and sometimes performances in which women took off their clothes

See the full definition for burlesque in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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