Word: Vaudeville
Definition:
Vaudeville is a type of entertainment that includes a variety of performances, such as songs, comedy acts, dance, magic tricks, and sometimes even short plays. It was very popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "vaudeville" when talking about shows that feature multiple acts. It's often associated with entertainment that is light-hearted and meant to amuse an audience.
Example Sentence:
"The theater hosted a vaudeville show last night, featuring jugglers, singers, and comedians."
Advanced Usage:
When discussing the history of entertainment, you might say, "Vaudeville was a significant precursor to modern variety shows and influenced television programs in the 1950s."
Word Variants:
- Vaudevillian (noun/adjective): This refers to a performer in a vaudeville show or something related to vaudeville.
- Example: "The vaudevillian entertained the crowd with his clever jokes and impressive tricks."
Different Meaning:
While "vaudeville" primarily refers to a type of entertainment, it can also evoke a sense of nostalgia for a past era of theatrical performances.
Synonyms:
- Variety show - Burlesque (though this can have different connotations) - Cabaret (often more focused on music and dance)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "vaudeville," but you might hear phrases like "the show must go on," which captures the spirit of live performance.
In summary, "vaudeville" refers to a lively variety show filled with different types of acts aimed at entertaining an audience.