comedy

noun

com·​e·​dy ˈkä-mə-dē 

plural comedies

1

a

: a medieval narrative that ends happily

Dante's Divine Comedy

b

: a literary work written in a comic style or treating a comic theme

the ancient Roman comedies of Plautus

2

a

: a drama of light and amusing character and typically with a happy ending

a comedy about parenthood

b

: the genre of dramatic literature dealing with the comic or with the serious in a light or satirical manner compare tragedy

3

: a ludicrous or farcical event or series of events

a comedy of errors

4

a

: the comic element

the comedy of many life situations

b

: humorous entertainment

nightclub comedy

Synonyms of comedy

• humor
• satire

Examples of comedy in a Sentence

The new comedy is the network's most popular television show.

The movie includes a lot of physical comedy.

We couldn't help laughing out loud at the comedy of the situation.

Recent Examples on the Web

The freshman comedy dominated Monday’s Primetime Emmy Awards, taking home six statues, including one for history-maker Matthew Rhys, who became the first person to win Emmys in two lead actor categories in the same year. — Sandra Gonzalez, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2026

Smart played Deborah Vance, a stand-up comedian whose tumultuous relationship with her young comedy writer, Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder, was at the center of HBO Max’s comedy, which ended in May. — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Hosting the sketch comedy show will give Brunson an opportunity to show off his acting and comedic talents more. — Jason Jones, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

One year ago, Seth Rogen stood on the Emmys stage accepting the Outstanding Comedy Series award and, in the process, set the Emmy record for most wins by a comedy in a single year with 13. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin comoedia, from Latin, drama with a happy ending, from Greek kōmōidia, from kōmos revel + aeidein to sing — more at ode

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing comedy

• comedy drama
• comedy of errors
• comedy of manners
• cringe comedy
• high comedy
• low comedy
• musical comedy
• romantic comedy
• situation comedy

Rhymes for comedy

• psalmody
• tragicomedy

Kids Definition

comedy

noun

com·​e·​dy ˈkäm-əd-ē 

plural comedies

1

: a light amusing play with a happy ending

2

: a comic literary work

3

a

: an amusing or ridiculous event

b

: humorous entertainment