Burlesque Definition
bər-lĕsk
burlesqued, burlesques, burlesquing
noun
burlesques
A literary or dramatic work that makes fun of something, often by means of outlandish exaggeration.
American Heritage
Any broadly comic or satirical imitation, as of a writing, play, etc.; derisive caricature; parody.
Webster's New World
A ludicrous or mocking imitation; a travesty.
The antics of the defense attorneys turned the trial into a burlesque of justice.
American Heritage
A sort of vaudeville characterized by low comedy, striptease acts, etc.
Webster's New World
verb
burlesqued, burlesques, burlesquing
To imitate derisively or comically; parody.
Webster's New World
To use the methods or techniques of burlesque.
American Heritage
To ridicule, or to make ludicrous by grotesque representation in action or in language.
Wiktionary
adjective
Derisively or comically imitating.
Webster's New World
Of or connected with burlesque (vaudeville)
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Other Word Forms of Burlesque
Noun
Singular:
burlesquePlural:
burlesquesOrigin of Burlesque
From French comical from Italian burlesco from burla joke probably from Spanish from Vulgar Latin burrula diminutive of Late Latin burrae nonsense from burra wool
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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Borrowing from French burlesque, from Italian burlesco (“parodic”).
From Wiktionary
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