burlesque

noun
UK: /bɜːˈlɛsk/
US: /bɝːˈlɛsk/

  1. A play, movie, or show that makes fun of something serious by copying it in a silly or exaggerated way.

    1. The show was a burlesque of famous operas.
    2. Her performance was a total burlesque, exaggerating every gesture for comedic effect.

  2. A type of theatrical show that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring comedy, song, and dance.

    1. They went to see a burlesque show downtown.
    2. The theater used to host burlesque performances before it was renovated.

Synonyms

travesty satire parody caricature mockery
burlesque verb

  1. To make fun of something by imitating it in a funny or exaggerated way.

    1. He burlesqued the politician's speech.
    2. The movie burlesqued the spy genre, turning serious tropes into jokes.
burlesque adjective

  1. Involving exaggerated or ridiculous imitation; resembling burlesque.

    1. It was a burlesque performance.
    2. The scene had a burlesque quality, with its over-the-top acting and silly costumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "burlesque" in English means: A play, movie, or show that makes fun of something serious by copying it in a silly or exaggerated way., A type of theatrical show that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring comedy, song, and dance..

The phonetic transcription of "burlesque" is /bɜːˈlɛsk/ in British English and /bɝːˈlɛsk/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "burlesque": travesty, satire, parody, caricature, mockery.

Example usage of "burlesque": "The show was a burlesque of famous operas.". More examples on the page.