Chaplin

American  

[chap-lin] / ˈtʃæp lɪn /

noun

1. Sir Charles Spencer Charlie, 1889–1977, English film actor, producer, and director; in U.S. 1910–52.

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Chaplin British  

/ ˈtʃæplɪn /

noun

1. Sir Charles Spencer, known as Charlie Chaplin. 1889–1977, English comedian, film actor, and director. He is renowned for his portrayal of a downtrodden little man with baggy trousers, bowler hat, and cane. His films, most of which were made in Hollywood, include The Gold Rush (1924), Modern Times (1936), and The Great Dictator (1940)

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Other Word Forms

• Chaplinesque adjective

Example Sentences

The Feb. 28 check for the fundraising gala was described in emails as a tax-deductible donation to the century-old Hollywood charity founded by Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin and others.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

It became a fashionable West End venue, attracting a social glitterati including actors Charlie Chaplin and Marlon Brando and political figures including Sir Winston Churchill.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

Think physical comedy like Charlie Chaplin, visual spectacles like “The Wizard of Oz” and sweeping romances like “Casablanca.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

After Chaplin left the United States in 1952, the lot was used for episodes of “The Adventures of Superman” and “Perry Mason.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2026

Or ‘Chaplin,’ everyone has heard of Charlie Chaplin.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse