burlesque

play

noun bur·lesque \(ˌ)bər-ˈlesk\

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

adjective

burlesquely

adverb

See burlesque defined for English-language learners

See burlesque defined for kids

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

Humor, to be sure, but with the tools of burlesque.

— mike fischer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "American Players Theatre turns to farce with 'A Flea in Her Ear'", 1 July 2017
But then something happens: a moment of Grand Guignol burlesque.

— owen gleiberman, chicagotribune.com, "'The House' review: Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler comedy misses the jackpot", 30 June 2017
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.

— bill brownlee and dan kelly,, kansascity.com, "Ink picks: 10 events not to miss in July", 28 June 2017
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.

— kat eschner, Smithsonian, "Choreographer Bob Fosse Is the Forgotten Author of Modern Musicals", 24 June 2017
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.

— keith caulfield, Billboard, "'Broadway Bares: Strip U' Bumps, Grinds & Raises $1.57 Million for Charity", 21 June 2017
The Senate has been rendered a hopeless burlesque by its Republican majority, and by that majority's leader, Mitch McConnell.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "The 'Moderate' Republican Senator Is a Dangerous Myth", 21 June 2017
The queen of burlesque just swapped out her signature look for something silvery.

— devon abelman, Allure, "Dita Von Teese Dons Gray Hair in Latest Instagram Post", 19 June 2017
The filmmakers, who have made other features in a burlesque vein, play two of the three main roles.

— joe morgenstern, wsj.com, "‘Lost in Paris’ Review: Comédie Classique", 15 June 2017

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

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First Known Use: 1667

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of burlesque

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

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

burlesque

verb bur·lesque

Definition of burlesque

burlesqued

;

burlesquing

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

burlesquer

noun

Examples of burlesque in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of burlesque

see ¹burlesque

NEW!

First Known Use: 1676

See Words from the same year

BURLESQUE Defined for English Language Learners

burlesque

play

noun

Definition of burlesque for English Language Learners

: 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