plural comedies
Synonyms of comedynext
1
a
: a medieval narrative that ends happily
Dante's Divine Comedy
b
: a literary work written in a comic style or treating a comic theme
the ancient Roman comedies of Plautus
2
a
: a drama of light and amusing character and typically with a happy ending
a comedy about parenthood
b
: the genre of dramatic literature dealing with the comic or with the serious in a light or satirical manner compare tragedy
3
: a ludicrous or farcical event or series of events
a comedy of errors
4
a
: the comic element
the comedy of many life situations
b
: humorous entertainment
nightclub comedy

Examples of comedy in a Sentence

The new comedy is the network's most popular television show. The movie includes a lot of physical comedy. We couldn't help laughing out loud at the comedy of the situation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Swift has served as host and musical guest on the sketch-comedy show over the years. Lily Boyce, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Whether that’s their next big undertaking, or just a great one-minute clip of internet comedy, viewers will have to tune in to find out. Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026 Born Joseph Frank Keaton, the actor was a star of vaudeville and early film, known for his prowess at physical comedy and stunt work. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 The apocalyptic horror comedy Zombieland (2009) was a box office hit. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for comedy

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin comoedia, from Latin, drama with a happy ending, from Greek kōmōidia, from kōmos revel + aeidein to sing — more at ode

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of comedy was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Comedy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comedy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

plural comedies
1
: a light amusing play with a happy ending
2
: a comic literary work
3
a
: an amusing or ridiculous event
b
: humorous entertainment

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