Search Dictionary
Definition of clownish

clownish

/ˈklaʊn.ɪʃ/
clown · ish
Adverb:clownishly
JUMP TO:

clownish Lexical Profile

clownish Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Resembling or characteristic of a clown, especially in being foolish, absurd, or overly comical in behavior or appearance.

Example

"His clownish antics during the formal presentation failed to amuse the board of directors."

2

Awkward, clumsy, or ill-mannered; characteristic of an unsophisticated or boorish person.

Example

"The character begins the play with a clumsy, clownish demeanor before learning the ways of the royal court."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for clownish
Antonyms
View all antonyms for clownish

• Rhymes for clownish

• Nearby Words

clown
clownery
clownfish
clownish
clownishly
clownishness
clownlike

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 16th century, derived from the noun 'clown' (originally meaning a clumsy countryman or peasant, likely of Low German or Scandinavian origin) combined with the suffix '-ish'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Clownish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/clownish
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.