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)
: to imitate in a humorous or derisive manner : mock
a work burlesquing Sherlock Holmes
: to employ burlesque
a temptation to burlesque
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for burlesque
The first known use of burlesque was in 1667
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