Circus Vocabulary

noun a noisy and overexcited reaction or response to something

verb to promote or publicize (something) in an exaggerated or sensational way

• The company's marketing team created a ballyhoo to promote the new product.
• There was a lot of ballyhoo surrounding the concert last night.
• I can't believe all the ballyhoo over that celebrity's new haircut.
• His ballyhoo about being the best player on the team was proven wrong during the game.

noun a person who stands in front of a show, as at a carnival, and gives a loud, noisy, or gaudy sales talk to attract customers

• The barker outside the circus tent was calling out to passersby to come see the show.
• The barker at the fair was really loud and trying to get everyone's attention.
• The barker at the game was hyping up the crowd with his announcements.
• The politician was known as a barker for his ability to attract attention and rally support.

noun a keyboard instrument resembling an organ but with the notes produced by steam whistles, used chiefly on showboats and in circuses

• The calliope is a musical instrument that produces sound by sending steam through whistles.
• I heard a calliope playing at the circus last night.
• Let's go check out the calliope at the fair!
• Her voice was like a calliope, filling the room with its melodic tones.