straight man

noun

: a member of a comedy team who feeds lines to a partner who in turn replies with usually humorous quips

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of straight man was in 1877

Rhymes for straight man

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Browse Nearby Words

straight-line wind
straight man
straightneck
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Cite this Entry

“Straight man.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straight%20man. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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