How Do You Spell VAUDEVILLE?

Pronunciation: [vˈɔːdəvˌɪl] (IPA)

Vaudeville (/ˈvɔːdəvɪl/) is a form of entertainment popular in the late 19th and early 20th century in the United States and Canada. While some may mistakenly spell it as "vodeville" due to the way it is pronounced, the correct spelling is with an "a". The word comes from the French phrase "voix de ville", meaning "voice of the town". Vaudeville acts typically included a variety of performers such as comics, dancers, singers and magicians, and were performed in theaters and music halls.

VAUDEVILLE Meaning and Definition

  1. Vaudeville is a form of popular entertainment that emerged in the late 19th century and reached its peak of popularity in the early 20th century. It originated in the United States but later spread to other parts of the world. Vaudeville shows were a fusion of various entertainment acts including comedy sketches, song and dance routines, acrobatics, magic tricks, animal acts, and even short films. Typically, these varied acts were performed in rapid succession, creating an energetic and diverse theatrical experience.

    The term "vaudeville" often refers not just to the type of entertainment but also the venues where such performances took place. Vaudeville theaters were specially designed to accommodate a range of acts and typically had a large stage with elaborate scenery and lighting. These theaters were concentrated in urban areas and attracted a wide range of audiences, from working-class immigrants to middle-class families. Vaudeville acts would tour from theater to theater, allowing performers to gain exposure and refine their acts.

    Vaudeville played a significant role in shaping American popular culture and provided a platform for many performers who later became household names. It also contributed to the development of other forms of entertainment, including radio, television, and modern stand-up comedy. While the popularity of vaudeville declined in the mid-20th century, its influence and legacy still resonate in present-day popular entertainment.

  2. A kind of lively song, sung in couplets, with a refrain; a theatrical piece intermingled with light or satirical songs.

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

Top Common Misspellings for VAUDEVILLE *

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Other Common Misspellings for VAUDEVILLE

Etymology of VAUDEVILLE

The word "vaudeville" has its origins in 16th-century France. It is derived from the French phrase "voix de ville", which means "voice of the city". Initially, "voix de ville" referred to popular songs or ballads sung in the streets or squares of cities. Over time, the term came to encompass a variety of theatrical performances, including comedy, music, dance, acrobatics, and more. In the 18th and 19th centuries, vaudeville became a distinct form of entertainment in France and later spread to other parts of the world, evolving into the variety shows popularized in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Similar spelling word for VAUDEVILLE

Plural form of VAUDEVILLE is VAUDEVILLES

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