jester

noun

jest·​er ˈje-stər 

1

: fool sense 2a

2

: one given to jests

Synonyms

• comedian

Examples of jester in a Sentence

a gentle jester, the cartoonist more often tries to evoke a broad smile than a hearty guffaw

the king called for some much-needed entertainment from his jester

Recent Examples on the Web

Medieval Europe, an era that gave us heraldry, court jesters, and troubadours, is rendered in dull, grayish brown hues. —Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025

In uncertain times, humour is a powerful tool, and artists are the best jesters, critics, and storytellers around. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

Ronald McDonald would beg to differ, although this assertion was made a full 40 years before the hamburger harlequin would supplant Bozo as America’s most beloved parti-colored jester. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 Sep. 2025

Jerry O'Connell and his daughters, Dolly and Charlie, have a good scream with twisted jesters at Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights on Sept.5. —Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English gestour "reciter of romances, minstrel, entertainer," from gesten "to recite romances" + -our -er entry 2 — more at jest entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for jester

• ester
• esther
• fester
• nester
• nestor
• pester
• prester
• quaestor
• tester
• wester
• yester
• ancestor

Kids Definition

jester

noun

jest·​er ˈjes-tər 

1

: fool entry 1 sense 2

court jester

2

: a person given to jests