clowning

word · lemma: clown

Definition

Acting silly or making jokes to make people laugh, often in a playful or exaggerated way. It can also mean behaving like a clown.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly informal and playful, often used to describe children or someone not acting serious. Common: 'clowning around.' Can be positive (fun) or slightly negative (not taking things seriously). Rarely used in formal writing.

Example Sentences

His constant clowning makes meetings more fun.

natural

The children were clowning in the backyard.

basic

He got in trouble for clowning during class.

basic

Stop clowning around and finish your homework.

basic

We spent the whole afternoon just clowning and laughing.

natural

Everyone burst out laughing at her silly clowning on stage.

natural