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Definition of vaudeville

vaudeville

/ˈvɔːdəvɪl/
vau · de · ville
Plural:vaudevilles
•
Adjective:vaudevillian
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vaudeville Lexical Profile

vaudeville Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A type of theatrical variety entertainment, especially popular in North America from the late 19th to the early 20th century, featuring a mixture of specialty acts such as comedy sketches, musical numbers, dance routines, acrobatics, and magic.

Example

"Many early film stars honed their comedic timing and stage presence while touring in vaudeville."

2

A light stage play or satirical theatrical piece interspersed with popular songs and dances, particularly in traditional French theater.

Example

"The 18th-century Parisian theater audience delighted in the witty dialogue and catchy tunes of the new vaudeville."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

vatican
vatican city
vaticinatrix
vaudeville
vaudevillian
vaughan
vaughn

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from French 'vaudeville', an alteration of 'vau-de-Vire' (valley of the Vire River in Normandy), which was famous in the 15th century for satirical drinking songs composed by poet Olivier Basselin.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Vaudeville. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/vaudeville
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