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Definition of "zany" []

  • A ludicrous, buffoonish character in old comedies who attempts feebly to mimic the tricks of the clown. (noun)
  • A comical person given to extravagant or outlandish behavior. (noun)
  • Ludicrously comical; clownish. (adjective)
  • Comical because of incongruity or strangeness; bizarre. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "zany" in a sentence
  • "The former Massachusetts governor has been going negative on Gingrich, using the word "zany" in a New York Times interview Wednesday to make the point that whoever GOP voters choose as their White House nominee will need to have "sobriety.""
  • ""I don't know too many people who use the word 'zany,'" Axelrod told Fox News'"
  • "Gingrich's remarks at the Republican debate Thursday night were aimed at rival Mitt Romney, who in an interview on Wednesday used the word "zany" to describe the former House speaker."