comedian

/kəˈmiː.di.ən/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: comedians

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An entertainer who performs in a humorous manner, especially by telling jokes.

Noun

Examples

According to Jared Freid, a 39-year-old comedian and co-host of the dating podcast "U Up?," this is known as hoodfishing, a coinage — though not his own — referring to people claiming to be from the city they are dating in but really are living somewhere else entirely.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any person who is humorous or amusing, either characteristically or on a particular occasion.

Noun

Examples

It's been my job for many years and taken me to many places, and into many a tight spot, but, on the railway, you'll always find a comedian in the gang, to raise a laugh and keep you going.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “comedian” mean?

An entertainer who performs in a humorous manner, especially by telling jokes.

Is “comedian” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.