comedian

noun

co·​me·​di·​an kə-ˈmē-dē-ən How to pronounce comedian (audio)
1
archaic
a
: a writer of comedies
b
: an actor who plays comic roles
2
: a comical individual
specifically : a professional entertainer who uses any of various physical or verbal means to be amusing

Examples of comedian in a Sentence

You'll like my friend. He's a real comedian. struggled to eke out a living as a comedian in nightclubs
Recent Examples on the Web Melissa McCarthy plays the title role, following the Robin Williams tradition of genies seeming more like moonlighting Borscht Belt comedians than magical figures of Arabian folklore. Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Nov. 2023 Now, the pair represent an array of programmers, artists, and writers, including comedian Sarah Silverman, who allege that generative AI companies are infringing upon their rights by training on their work without their consent. Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2023 The comedian did not need to be taken to the hospital following the fight. Jason Sheeler, Peoplemag, 20 Nov. 2023 Bill Maher, the comedian who leads a show on Warner’s HBO, provided some content to CNN for a time. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Nov. 2023 Perhaps these two comedians are a bit like those thieves, hanging around in the hope that something nice might happen before the light fails for good. Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2023 Other comedians receiving the lifetime achievement award include George Carlin, Whoopi Goldberg, Bob Newhart, Carol Burnett and Dave Chapelle. Ashraf Khalil, Fortune, 16 Nov. 2023 Compiled by Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports The BBC said Tuesday two more people have come forward to complain about Russell Brand since the broadcaster launched a review into the actor and comedian's behavior. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 15 Nov. 2023 Past actors and comedians to be awarded this award include Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Ellen DeGeneres, Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, and Dave Chappelle. Asher Notheis, Washington Examiner, 15 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'comedian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of comedian was in 1580

Dictionary Entries Near comedian

Cite this Entry

“Comedian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comedian. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

comedian

noun
co·​me·​di·​an kə-ˈmēd-ē-ən How to pronounce comedian (audio)
1
: an actor who plays in comedy
2
: a comical individual
especially : a humorous professional entertainer

More from Merriam-Webster on comedian

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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