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

• 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

The stand-up comedian has previously been candid about her experience with postpartum depression. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025

Film Festival, shows the private turmoil behind the comedian’s affable facade. —Brent Lang, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025

The comedian jumped on Instagram on Wednesday evening to respond to the backlash. —Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 4 Sep. 2025

This fall’s roster includes actors, athletes, reality and social media personalities, singers, comedians, and even a wildlife conservationist — a mix that reflects the show’s trademark variety. —Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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