adj
comic
KO-mihk
adj
1
Funny or intended to amuse; relating to comedy.
"The film has a comic subplot involving the neighbor's dog."
"His comic timing made even the weakest jokes land."
noun
1
A comedian, or a magazine or booklet telling a story through drawn panels.
"She has collected comics since she was ten years old."
"He worked as a stand-up comic for years before landing a sitcom role."
How to Use Comic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFunny, or relating to comedy — as a noun, either a comedian or a picture-story magazine.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "comic" (relating to comedy in general, or a person/publication) with "comical" (which specifically means funny or ridiculous in effect).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
comic relief
comic book
comic timing
stand-up comic
Word Forms
more comic comparative, comics plural, most comic superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “comic”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The film has a _____ subplot involving the neighbor's dog.
Etymology
From Latin comicus, from Greek kōmikós ("relating to comedy"), ultimately from kômos ("revelry, festivity").