Definition of burlesque
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 2turn 4d), comic skits, and sometimes striptease acts performers who got their start in burlesque
burlesque
adjectiveburlesquely
adverbIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of burlesque in a Sentence
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.
Recent Examples of burlesque from the Web
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Film, comedy, burlesque, music, storytelling, visual arts and puppetry are among the other art forms that will be represented at the festival, which attracts individuals and groups from across the nation and around the world.
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The contest has three judges pulled from the world of burlesque.
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Humor, to be sure, but with the tools of burlesque.
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But then something happens: a moment of Grand Guignol burlesque.
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Film, comedy, burlesque, music, storytelling, visual arts and puppetry are among the other art forms that will be represented at the festival, which attracts individuals and groups from across the nation and around the world.
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In this number, the influence of vaudeville and Fosse-style moves is easy to see: The roots of Fosse’s signature style were actually in burlesque.
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Broadway turned up the heat -- and took off its clothes -- for the annual Broadway Bares charity burlesque show on Sunday night (June 18) at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom.
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The Senate has been rendered a hopeless burlesque by its Republican majority, and by that majority's leader, Mitch McConnell.
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.
Origin and Etymology of burlesque
burlesque, adjective, comic, droll, from French, from Italian burlesco, from burla joke, from Spanish
Synonym Discussion of burlesque
Other Performing Arts Terms
Examples of burlesque in a Sentence
burlesquing the teacher's nervous tic isn't very nice
Origin and Etymology of burlesque
see 1burlesque
BURLESQUE Defined for English Language Learners
burlesque
playDefinition of burlesque for English Language Learners
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: a play, story, novel, etc., that makes a serious subject seem funny or ridiculous
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: 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
Learn More about burlesque
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See words that rhyme with burlesque Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for burlesque Spanish Central: Translation of burlesque Nglish: Translation of burlesque for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about burlesque
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