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burlesque Definition

bur·lesque (bər lesk)

noun

  1. any broadly comic or satirical imitation, as of a writing, play, etc.; derisive caricature; parody
  2. ☆ a sort of vaudeville characterized by low comedy, striptease acts, etc.

Etymology: Fr < It burlesco < burla, a jest, mockery

adjective

  1. derisively or comically imitating
  2. ☆ of or connected with burlesque (vaudeville)

transitive verb, intransitive verb burlesqued -·lesqued′, burlesquing -·lesqu′·ing

to imitate derisively or comically; parody
burlesque Synonyms

burlesque

n.

  1. Anything intending to mock

    parody, travesty, caricature, lampoon; see parody.

  2. A bawdy stage show

    show, theatrical entertainment, revue, vaudeville, burleycue*, strip*, burly*, topless show*, nudie*, girlie show*; see also performance 2, show 2. See syn. study at parody.

burlesque Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • actress--somebody: Probably a flossy typewriter--or a burlesque actress--somebody you're fitted for, anyway!
  • dancer: I'd have no problems with them if they had become famous for being burlesque dancers, as at least that would be honest.
  • performer: I have been working for many years as a burlesque performer.
  • show: He'd turn my Order of Oriental Templars into a burlesque show!
  • act: I'm on a quest to find " Empty Arms " the song dubbed for Susan Kohner's burlesque act in that same movie.
  • theater: By the time William was 17 he was working regularly in the burlesque theaters of Chicago.

Modifying Another Word

  • very: Very burlesque dress similar to Roland Mouret's current show-stopping curvy dresses - but this is an 80's original!

Browse dictionary entries near burlesque

  1. Burleigh
  2. burled
  3. burlap
  4. burl
  5. Burkitt's lymphoma
  6. burking
  7. Burkina Faso
  8. burked
  9. burke
  10. burka
  1. burlesqued
  2. burlesquing
  3. burley
  4. burlier
  5. burliest
  6. burliness
  7. Burlington
  8. burly
  9. Burma
  10. Burman