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clown

[klaʊn]

clown Definition

  • 1a comic entertainer, especially one in a circus, wearing a traditional costume and exaggerated makeup
  • 2a foolish or incompetent person

Using clown: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "clown" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The clown made the children laugh with his silly antics.

  • Example

    He's such a clown that he can't even tie his own shoes.

  • Example

    She dressed up as a clown for Halloween.

  • Example

    The political candidate was seen as a clown by many voters.

clown Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for clown

Antonyms for clown

Idioms Using clown

  • a person who is known for their humorous or entertaining behavior

    Example

    He was the clown prince of the office, always making everyone laugh with his jokes and pranks.

  • the white makeup traditionally worn by clowns

    Example

    She applied the clown white to her face before putting on the rest of her clown makeup.

  • clown suit

    a brightly colored and patterned outfit worn by clowns

    Example

    He put on his clown suit and wig before heading out to perform at the circus.

Phrases with clown

  • send in the clowns

    a phrase used to describe a situation where things have gone wrong and someone is needed to fix it

    Example

    The project was a disaster, so they had to send in the clowns to try to salvage it.

  • to behave in a silly or playful way

    Example

    The kids were clowning around in the park, chasing each other and laughing.

  • a vehicle that is packed with people or things beyond its normal capacity

    Example

    They managed to fit 20 people into the tiny clown car for the circus act.

Origins of clown

from Old Norse 'klunni', meaning 'a clumsy person'

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Summary: clown in Brief

A 'clown' [klaʊn] is a comic entertainer, often found in circuses, who wears exaggerated makeup and costumes. The term also refers to a foolish or incompetent person. The phrase 'send in the clowns' describes a situation where someone is needed to fix something that has gone wrong, while 'clown around' means to behave in a silly or playful way. Idioms include 'clown prince,' denoting a humorous or entertaining person, and 'clown white,' referring to the white makeup traditionally worn by clowns.

How do native speakers use this expression?