Definition of Clownish

1. Adjective. Like a clown. "A zany sense of humor"

Exact synonyms: Buffoonish, Clownlike, Zany
Similar to: Humorous, Humourous
Derivative terms: Zany, Zany

Definition of Clownish

1. a. Of or resembling a clown, or characteristic of a clown; ungainly; awkward.

Definition of Clownish

1. Adjective. (rare) Pertaining to peasants; rustic. ¹

2. Adjective. (rare) Uncultured, boorish; rough, coarse. ¹

3. Adjective. Like a circus clown; comical, ridiculous. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Clownish

1. resembling or befitting a clown [adj]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Clownish

clown anemone fish
clown around
clown car
clown cars
clown doctor
clown doctors
clown shoe
clown shoes
clownage
clowned
clowneries
clownery
clownfish
clownfishes
clowning
clownish (current term)
clownishly
clownishness
clownishnesses
clownlike
clownology
clowns
clows
cloxacillin
cloxacillin sodium
cloxacillins
cloxazolam
cloy
cloye
cloyed

Literary usage of Clownish

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Notes and Queries by Martim de Albuquerque (1856)
"Grobber, from the German gruber, applied as a term of reproach to a rude clownish fellow. .... clownish ..."

2. A New Malagasy-English Dictionary by James Richardson (1885)
"clownish, ungentlemanly, abrupt, insolent, or impudent in manners. ... To act or speak abruptly, boldly, in a clownish ungenteel way, etc. (Prov. ..."

3. Southey's Common-place Book by Robert Southey (1849)
"clownish, and disrespectful to governments. For all is not reason that is in us : there is a world of fancy also, and the flashes of this now and then are ..."

4. Matthew Paris's English History: From the Year 1235 to 1273 by Matthew Paris, John Allen Giles, William Rishanger (1889)
"They look upon the Cistercian monks as clownish, harmless, half-bred, or rather ill-bred, priests ; and the monks of the Black order as proud epicures. ..."

5. The Art of Speaking: Containing, an Essay, in which are Given Rules for by James Burgh (1804)
"clownish BASHFULNESS AND AWKWARDNESS. The meeting of Humphrey Gubbin and Mr. Pounce* (From the Comedy of the TENDER HUSBAND. ..."

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