jester

word

/ˈdʒɛstɝ/
/dʒˈɛstɐ/

Definition

A jester was a person, often in fancy clothes and a funny hat, who entertained kings and nobles with jokes, tricks, and silly acts in medieval times. Sometimes 'jester' can also mean someone who acts foolish or silly to make people laugh.

Usage & Nuances

'Jester' is historical and formal, most often used in stories about the Middle Ages. In modern use, it can describe playful or foolish people. Collocates with 'court' ('court jester'). Not the same as 'clown' (who performs in circuses).

Example Sentences

The jester made everyone in the castle laugh.

basic

The king trusted his jester with secrets.

basic

A jester wears bright clothes and a funny hat.

basic

He always acts like a jester at parties, cracking jokes and making faces.

natural

Back in medieval times, every royal court had its own jester.

natural

No one could cheer up the queen like her loyal jester.

natural