Vaudeville
['vɔːdəvɪl;'vəʊd-] or ['vɔdəvɪl]
Definition
(n.) A kind of song of a lively character, frequently embodying a satire on some person or event, sung to a familiar air in couplets with a refrain; a street song; a topical song.
(n.) A theatrical piece, usually a comedy, the dialogue of which is intermingled with light or satirical songs, set to familiar airs.
Checked by Abby
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [Fr.] Ballad, street song, trivial strain, light song.
Editor: Mary
Definition
n. originally a popular song with topical allusions: a play interspersed with dances and songs incidentally introduced and usually comic.—n. Vaude′villist a composer of these.
Checked by Leda
Unserious Contents or Definition
From Lat. vaut, good for, and villageois, countryman. Good for countrymen.
Checker: Reginald
Examples
- It was a surprise: they had not expected the Englishwoman would play in a _vaudeville_. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- I did not care for the vaudeville. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- Without answering directly, he went on, Were you not gratified when you succeeded in that vaudeville? Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- Barnum had a few; the vaudeville stage has a number. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
Checker: Roberta