How Do You Spell CLOWN?

Pronunciation: [klˈa͡ʊn] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "clown" in English is interesting because it contains a consonant cluster with two consecutive consonants that are pronounced differently. Specifically, the "cl" at the beginning of the word is pronounced with a voiceless velar stop, while the "wn" at the end of the word is pronounced with a nasal consonant. In IPA phonetic transcription, this would be represented as /klɑʊn/. Despite the somewhat unusual combination of consonants, "clown" is a common and well-known English word that refers to a type of comedic performer.

CLOWN Meaning and Definition

  1. A clown can be defined as an entertainer who displays comedic and amusing behaviors and performances, often wearing vibrant and excessively exaggerated costumes, makeup, and wigs. Clowns often specialize in physical comedy, employing slapstick humor, exaggerated gestures, and funny facial expressions to provoke laughter and amusement. With a long history in the circus and theater worlds, clowns are known for their ability to interact with audiences, utilizing various props and tricks to captivate their viewers.

    Beyond their physical appearance and playful behavior, clowns are also recognized for their ability to adopt different characters and personalities, often resembling archetypal figures. While they are typically associated with humor and laughter, clowns can also display a range of emotions, paradoxically evoking both amusement and sympathy from their audience.

    In addition to their traditional roles as entertainers, clowns have also become symbolic figures in different social and cultural contexts. For some, clowns represent innocence, joy, and childlike wonder, while for others, they may embody a sense of mischief, unpredictability, or even fear. The concept of a clown has evolved over time, leading to variations like circus clowns, rodeo clowns, or even professional clowns who visit children in hospitals to provide a sense of comfort and cheer.

  2. A peasant; a rustic; one who has the rough manners of one from the country; an ill-bred man; one who plays the fool in a theatre or circus.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CLOWN *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CLOWN

Etymology of CLOWN

The word "clown" can be traced back to the late 16th century. It derives from the Old English word "clowne", which was borrowed from the Scandinavian languages, specifically the Old Norse word "klunni" meaning a clumsy or boorish person. The term evolved over time, and by the 17th century, it started to refer specifically to a comic performer or a ridiculous person in the English language.

Idioms with the word CLOWN

  • clown around (with someone) The idiom "clown around (with someone)" means to behave in a silly, playful, or sometimes foolish manner in the company of someone else in a light-hearted and humorous way. It often involves engaging in playful or comedic activities, such as joking, pulling pranks, or doing physical comedy to entertain or amuse others. This idiom typically implies that the behavior is not serious or formal, but rather done for fun or to create a lighthearted atmosphere.
  • clown around (with sm) The idiom "clown around (with someone)" means to behave in a silly or foolish manner, often in a playful or lighthearted way, while interacting with someone. It refers to engaging in humorous or comical behavior to entertain or amuse oneself and others.
  • class clown The idiom "class clown" refers to a person, typically a student, who consistently behaves in a comical or mischievous manner in the classroom. This person often entertains their classmates by telling jokes, making funny remarks, or performing humorous actions, sometimes in an attempt to gain attention or disrupt the learning environment.
  • clown around The idiom "clown around" means to behave in a silly, playful, or foolish manner. It refers to acting in a way that is not serious or appropriate for the situation, often with the intention of making others laugh or smile.

Similar spelling words for CLOWN

Plural form of CLOWN is CLOWNS

Conjugate verb Clown

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have clowned
you would have clowned
he/she/it would have clowned
we would have clowned
they would have clowned
I would have clown
you would have clown
he/she/it would have clown
we would have clown
they would have clown

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been clowning
you would have been clowning
he/she/it would have been clowning
we would have been clowning
they would have been clowning

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would clown
you would clown
he/she/it would clown
we would clown
they would clown

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be clowning
you would be clowning
he/she/it would be clowning
we would be clowning
they would be clowning

FUTURE

I will clown
you will clown
he/she/it will clown
we will clown
they will clown

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be clowning
you will be clowning
he/she/it will be clowning
we will be clowning
they will be clowning

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have clowned
you will have clowned
he/she/it will have clowned
we will have clowned
they will have clowned

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been clowning
you will have been clowning
he/she/it will have been clowning
we will have been clowning
they will have been clowning

IMPERATIVE

you clown
we let´s clown

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to clown

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was clowning
you were clowning
he/she/it was clowning
we were clowning
they were clowning

PAST PARTICIPLE

clowned

PAST PERFECT

I had clowned
you had clowned
he/she/it had clowned
we had clowned
they had clowned

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been clowning
you had been clowning
he/she/it had been clowning
we had been clowning
they had been clowning

PRESENT

I clown
you clown
he/she/it clowns
we clown
they clown

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am clowning
you are clowning
he/she/it is clowning
we are clowning
they are clowning

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

clowning

PRESENT PERFECT

I have clowned
you have clowned
he/she/it has clowned
we have clowned
they have clowned

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been clowning
you have been clowning
he/she/it has been clowning
we have been clowning
they have been clowning

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it clown

SIMPLE PAST

I clowned
you clowned
he/she/it clowned
we clowned
they clowned

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