2 syllables: Bur, lesque. Stress on lesque.
bur-LESK
/bɚˈlɛsk/
Burlesque is pronounced bur-LESK (/bɚˈlɛsk/). It has two syllables (Bur-lesque), with the stress on "lesque". Burlesque is a form of theatrical entertainment combining satire, parody, and erotic performance, historically associated with extravagant costumes and dance. As a noun, it denotes a genre or shows characterized by exaggerated, humorous, and risqué content. The term also appears as an adjective in some contexts to describe style that imitates or mocks grandiose, ornate performance.
nounBurlesque is a form of theatrical entertainment combining satire, parody, and erotic performance, historically associated with extravagant costumes and dance. As a noun, it denotes a genre or shows characterized by exaggerated, humorous, and risqué content. The term also appears as an adjective in some contexts to describe style that imitates or mocks grandiose, ornate performance.
"The new burlesque show featured witty sketches and elaborate costumes."
"She admired the vintage burlesque posters from the 1920s."
"The film pays homage to burlesque traditions while pushing modern boundaries."
Pronounce as BUR-əl-esk with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA US: ˈbɜːrlɛsk, UK/AU: ˈbɜːləsk. Start with a mid-back vowel (like “fur”), then a light schwa in the middle, and end with a crisp -esk. Tip: ensure the r is rhotic in US/UK variants, and keep the /l/ light. Listen for a faint secondary vowel before the final consonant cluster.
Common errors include: 1) misplacing the stress (trying to emphasize the second syllable), and 2) misproducing the final -esk as -esque or -eisk. Correction: keep primary stress on BUR- and end with a short, clipped -sk; ensure the middle vowel is a clear schwa or reduced vowel /ə/ before /ɪ/ or /ɛ/. Practice with slow syllables: BUR-əl-esk and tune the rhythm until it sounds even.
In US, rhotic /ɹ/ is pronounced, giving BUR-əl-esk with a pronounced R and full vowel in the first syllable. In many UK accents, the /ɜː/ is a longer monophthong with less rhoticity in some dialects, producing a slightly more rounded first vowel and a smoother -ləsk ending. Australian pronunciation mirrors US rhoticity but often features a broader /ɜː/ and a lighter /l/. Overall, length and rhotic presence vary by region; focus on early stress and crisp final -esk.
Two main challenges: the first syllable /ˈbɜːr/ requires a rounded, mid-back vowel with an American rhotic /ɹ/; and the final cluster /lɛsk/ demands a quick, clear /l/ followed by a short /ɛ/ and /sk/. Substituting /ə/ or glossing over the /ɹ/ can flatten the word. Also, modern speakers sometimes mispronounce as ‘bur-lesk’ or ‘buh-REH-sque.’ Practicing with IPA cues helps you maintain accurate vowels and consonant timing.
The ending -esque is pronounced as a single syllable /-esk/, not as two separate sounds like -es-que. This can cause mispronunciation when readers see the spelling. Also, the stress placement on BUR- is essential and often overlooked when speakers elongate the middle vowel. Remember: quick, condensed ending and strong initial stress to capture the word’s distinctive cadence.
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Burlesque originates from the Italian burlesco, and the French burlesque, both deriving from burla meaning ‘teasing, mockery, or ridicule.’ The term migrated to English in the 17th–18th centuries as a form of literary or dramatic exaggeration that mocks serious works through parody. In 19th-century Britain and the United States, burlesque evolved into a broader theatrical tradition, initially involving musical parody, extravagant costumes, and vaudeville-like performances. By the late 1800s and early 20th century, American burlesque became a popular urban entertainment form featuring variety acts, song-and-dance, and satirical humor, often pushing boundaries of morality and gender norms. The word’s modern use in “burlesque” for sensual, cabaret-style performances traces to this lineage, though contemporary productions may emphasize different balances of comedy, critique, and sexuality. First known uses appear in 17th-century Italian literature, with widespread urban adoption in French and English theatrical scenes by the 18th century, culminating in the iconic American burlesque venues of the early 1900s.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Burlesque" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Burlesque" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Burlesque"
-que sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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