Vaudeville definition
A stage show consisting of mixed specialty acts, including songs, dances, comic skits, acrobatic performances, etc.
noun
(historical, uncountable) A style of multi-act theatrical entertainment which flourished in North America from the 1880s through the 1920s.
noun
A light comic play that often includes songs, pantomime, and dances.
noun
(obs.) A satirical or topical song, often with pantomime.
noun
This branch of entertainment generally, popular esp. in the early 20th cent.
noun
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(historical, countable) An entertainment in this style.
noun
A popular, often satirical song.
noun
Stage entertainment offering a variety of short acts such as slapstick turns, song-and-dance routines, and juggling performances.
noun
A theatrical performance of this kind; a variety show.
noun
(now rare) A comic theatrical piece interspersed with songs and dances.
noun
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Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
vaudeville
Plural:
vaudevillesOrigin of vaudeville
- French alteration of Old French vaudevire occasional or topical light popular song possibly short for chanson du Vau de Vire song of Vau de Vire, a valley of northwest France or perhaps dialectal vauder to go virer to turn veer1
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition