clown

/klaʊn/ (bre, ipa) · /klaʊn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈklau̇n/ (ame, mw)

clown — noun

  • clownsingular
  • clownsplural

1. a performer who wears bright, unusual clothing and makeup on the face, and uses

1.名詞A2
釋義

a performer who wears bright, unusual clothing and makeup on the face, and uses physical comedy, tricks, and silly behaviour to entertain people, especially children at a circus, party, or show.

例句

The children laughed when the clown at the birthday party made balloon animals.

collocation: clown at + [event]

Leila painted a red nose and dressed as a clown for the school play.

collocation: dress as a clown

同義詞
  • comedian

    focuses on verbal humour through jokes and stories rather than physical comedy and costume

  • mime

    performs silently using body movements and gestures, without spoken words or props

  • buffoon

    older, more disapproving term for someone who acts ridiculously; less common in modern English

文法句型

a clown

the clown

clown + at + [event/place]

用法筆記

Often modified by adjectives that describe the type of performance, such as 'circus clown', 'party clown', or 'rodeo clown'. The compound 'clown costume' refers to the full outfit including wig, nose, and oversized shoes.

常見錯誤

❌The jester performed tricks at the birthday party.
✅The clown performed tricks at the birthday party.
💡A 'jester' is a historical court entertainer from medieval times, not a modern performer at parties or circuses.

2. someone whose deliberate silliness or joking is meant to amuse others — or who a

2.名詞B1
釋義

someone whose deliberate silliness or joking is meant to amuse others — or who acts this way when they should be taking things seriously instead.

例句

Stop acting like a clown in class — the teacher is getting angry.

pattern: act like a clown (disapproving)

Ravi is the class clown who always cracks jokes when the lesson gets boring.

fixed compound: class clown

同義詞
  • joker

    more neutral; someone who tells jokes but may not use physical comedy

  • prankster

    focuses on playing tricks on others rather than just acting silly

  • jester

    historical term; very rare in modern conversational use

文法句型

a clown

act like a clown

class clown

用法筆記

Common in the fixed expression 'class clown', which refers to a student known for making others laugh during lessons. When applied to adults, this sense can be either affectionate ('a lovable clown') or critical ('don't be such a clown').

常見錯誤

❌Stop being such a fool — we need to focus.' (when meaning silly/funny).
✅Stop being such a clown
💡we need to focus.' — 'Fool' suggests low intelligence or bad judgment, while 'clown' suggests intentional silliness or showing off.

clown — verb