charade

noun

cha·​rade shə-ˈrād How to pronounce charade (audio) -ˈräd How to pronounce charade (audio)
1
: a word represented in riddling verse or by picture, tableau, or dramatic action (such as intrusion represented by depiction of inn, true, and shun)
2
charades plural : a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak
3
: an empty or deceptive act or pretense
his concern was a charade

Examples of charade in a Sentence

We've grown tired of your charades. put on a convincing charade to keep her from knowing about the surprise party
Recent Examples on the Web From the candidate perspective applying for a top leadership position, the entire charade is eminently predictable and therefore easy to prepare for. Barry Conchie and Sarah Dalton, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024 Plus, with the highest English proficiency score on the list, you won’t be left playing charades to order a slice of Sachertorte. Joni Sweet, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024 This Independence Day should be a national spanking of all who participated in this charade, starting with Anthony Fauci and Larry Hogan. For The Carroll County Times, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2024 Coughlan's post also included a video of the Bridgerton wedding ceremony set and a video of the cast playing charades, as their characters do on the season. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 4 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for charade 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'charade.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Occitan charrado chat, from charrá to chat, chatter

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of charade was in 1776

Dictionary Entries Near charade

Cite this Entry

“Charade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charade. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

charade

noun
cha·​rade shə-ˈrād How to pronounce charade (audio)
1
plural : a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak
2
: an act that is meaningless or is meant to deceive

More from Merriam-Webster on charade

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