Burlesque — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /(ˌ)bər-ˈlesk/ bur·lesque

Meaning & Definition of Burlesque

Burlesque (noun)

  1. a literary or dramatic work that seeks to ridicule by means of grotesque exaggeration or comic imitation
  2. mockery usually by caricature
  3. theatrical entertainment of a broadly humorous often earthy character consisting of short turns, comic skits, and sometimes striptease acts

Burlesque (verb)

  1. to imitate in a humorous or derisive manner, mock
  2. to employ burlesque

Word Forms of Burlesque

Inflections: burlesqued, burlesquing

Derived words: burlesque (adjective), burlesquely (adverb), burlesquer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Burlesque

burlesque, adjective, comic, droll, from French, from Italian burlesco, from burla joke, from Spanish

First known use: 1667

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Burlesque

Frequently Asked Questions about Burlesque

What does "Burlesque" mean?

"Burlesque" means a literary or dramatic work that seeks to ridicule by means of grotesque exaggeration or comic imitation. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a literary or dramatic work that seeks to ridicule by means of grotesque exaggeration or comic imitation. It has 5 distinct senses.

Is "Burlesque" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Burlesque" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Burlesque" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Burlesque" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Burlesque"?

"Burlesque" is pronounced /(ˌ)bər-ˈlesk/ and divided into syllables as bur·lesque.

What is the origin of the word "Burlesque"?

"Burlesque" comes from burlesque, adjective, comic, droll, from French, from Italian burlesco, from burla joke, from Spanish. First known use: 1667.

What does "Burlesque" mean as a noun?

As a noun, "Burlesque" means: a literary or dramatic work that seeks to ridicule by means of grotesque exaggeration or comic imitation; mockery usually by caricature; theatrical entertainment of a broadly humorous often earthy character consisting of short turns, comic skits, and sometimes striptease acts.

What does "Burlesque" mean as a verb?

As a verb, "Burlesque" means: to imitate in a humorous or derisive manner, mock; to employ burlesque.

What CEFR level is "Burlesque"?

"Burlesque" is a C2-level word in SophDict's CEFR vocabulary lists, which group English words from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).