joke
joke definition
joke (jōk)
noun
- anything said or done to arouse laughter; specif.,
- a funny anecdote with a punch line
- an amusing trick played on someone
- the humorous element in a situation
- a thing done or said merely in fun
- a person or thing to be laughed at, not to be taken seriously, because absurd, ridiculous, etc.
Etymology: L jocus, a joke, game < IE base *jek-, to speak > OHG jehan
intransitive verb joked, joking jok′·ing
- to tell or play jokes
- to say or do something as a joke; jest
Etymology: < jokethe or L jocari, to joke
transitive verb
- Now Rare to make fun of; make (a person) the object of jokes or teasing
- to bring to a specified condition by joking
Related Forms:
- jokingly jok′·ingly adverb
joke Idioms
no joke
a serious matter
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Related Discussions (3)
| Topic | Replies | Latest Post |
|---|---|---|
| usage examples a joke? | 2 | 1 year ago |
| Just a joke on consonant-rich languages... | 12 | 5 years ago |
| Re: Mensa Joke | 33 | 6 years ago |
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