comedienne: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, dated, or historical. Often used in older texts, biographies, or to deliberately specify gender in contexts where 'comedian' might be assumed male.
Quick answer
What does “comedienne” mean?
A female performer who tells jokes or performs comedy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A female performer who tells jokes or performs comedy.
Historically used to specify the gender of a comedy performer; in modern usage, often considered dated or unnecessary as 'comedian' has become widely accepted as gender-neutral. Can also imply a specific style or era of performance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is equally dated in both. No significant regional difference in meaning or use.
Connotations
Both BrE and AmE perceive the term as somewhat old-fashioned. It may evoke vaudeville (AmE) or music hall (BrE) traditions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary corpora for both. 'Comedian' is overwhelmingly preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “comedienne” in a Sentence
[comedienne] + [perform/star/appear] + [in/on] + [show/programme][audience] + [applaud/laugh at] + [the comedienne]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or gender studies contexts discussing performance history.
Everyday
Rare. An older person might use it.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “comedienne”
- Using 'comedienne' in modern, neutral contexts instead of 'comedian'.
- Misspelling as 'comediene' or 'comedianne'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is grammatically correct but is now considered dated. The gender-neutral 'comedian' is the standard modern term for all genders.
Historically, 'comedian' was used for men. There is no male-specific '-enne' form.
Language trends increasingly favour gender-neutral job titles (e.g., actor, server, comedian) to avoid unnecessary gender specification.
It is not a matter of politeness. Using it may sound old-fashioned or like you are deliberately highlighting the performer's gender, which can be seen as irrelevant or even condescending in a modern context.
A female performer who tells jokes or performs comedy.
Comedienne is usually formal, dated, or historical. often used in older texts, biographies, or to deliberately specify gender in contexts where 'comedian' might be assumed male. in register.
Comedienne: in British English it is pronounced /kəˌmiːdiˈen/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˌmiːdiˈen/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the double 'n' and '-enne' ending like in 'Parisienne' – a female performer from a particular (often historical) scene.
Conceptual Metaphor
NOT APPLICABLE
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate and modern term for a female comedy performer?