comedian

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An entertainer who performs in a humorous manner, especially by telling jokes.

   According to Jared Freid, a 39-year-old comedian and co-host of the dating podcast "U Up?," this is known as hoodfishing, a coinage — though not his own — referring to people claiming to be from the city they are dating in but really are living somewhere else entirely.

2. 2
   noun

   Any person who is humorous or amusing, either characteristically or on a particular occasion.

   It's been my job for many years and taken me to many places, and into many a tight spot, but, on the railway, you'll always find a comedian in the gang, to raise a laugh and keep you going.

3. 3
   noun

   A person who performs in theatrical plays.

   […] the quick comedians Extemporally will stage us, and present Our Alexandrian revels;

4. 4
   noun

   A writer of comedies.

   This doth the Comedy handle ſo in our priuate and domeſtical matters, as with hearing it, we get as it were an experience, what is to be looked for of a nigardly Demea: of a crafty Danus: of a flattering Gnato: of a vaine glorious Thraſo: and not onely to know what effects are to be expected, but to know who be ſuch, by the ſignifying badge giuen them by the Comedian.

5. 5
   noun

   a professional performer who tells jokes and performs comical acts

6. 6
   noun

   an actor in a comedy

Etymology

From French comédien, from comédie + -ien, from Old French comedie, from Latin cōmoedia, from Ancient Greek κωμῳδία (kōmōidía). By surface analysis, comed(y) + -ian.