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
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As Pride Month 2025 comes to a close, a new couple just took to Instagram to make their relationship official: movie star Elliot Page and Overcompensating actor and comedian Julia Shiplett. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 30 June 2025 The legendary actor, director, comedian and producer, who turns 99 on June 28, 2025, kicked off his career in comedy by helping fellow funnyman Sid Caesar with hisYour Show of Shows. Alex Apatoff, People.com, 28 June 2025 Sunny Hostin asked the comedian, pointing off camera to the man in question. Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 27 June 2025 Karo is a comedian, screenwriter, podcaster and No. 1 New York Times bestselling author. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for comedian

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of comedian was in 1580

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Cite this Entry

“Comedian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comedian. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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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