comedian

noun

co·​me·​di·​an kə-ˈmē-dē-ən 

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

Synonyms of comedian

• comic
• entertainer
• joker
• humorist
• wit
• funnyman
• clown

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

Gethard’s argument contrasted the current moment to where comedy was 15 to even five years ago, a period generally considered the Second Comedy Boom in which the internet offered many comedians opportunities to get noticed, build active fan bases, get jobs, and make money. —Chris Gethard, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026

After last year's raucous success as host, the comedian is getting a Golden Globes victory lap. —Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026

Each episode features a different comedian performing a 30-minute set. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026

The two seemed to make an ideal pair, if only because they are both regarded as very talented actors and comedians. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for comedian

• submedian
• paramedian

Kids Definition

comedian

noun

co·​me·​di·​an kə-ˈmēd-ē-ən 

1

: an actor who plays in comedy

2

: a comical individual

especially : a humorous professional entertainer