1. a theatrical performance or scene featuring the character Harlequin, typically involving pantomime and comic antics
Usage: theatrical; historical
2. buffoonery or clownish behavior; comic antics

Examples

• The theater troupe performed a traditional harlequinade for the holiday audience.
• The children’s party featured a delightful harlequinade with colorful costumes and silly jokes.
• Critics dismissed the politician’s speech as mere harlequinade rather than serious policy discussion.
• The commedia dell’arte tradition included elaborate harlequinades with masked performers.
• His constant harlequinade in class disrupted the lesson and annoyed his teacher.
• The festival concluded with a grand harlequinade that had the entire crowd laughing.