Funny
/ˈfʌni/
Definitions
2 meaningsProvoking laughter or amusement; amusing.
/ˈfʌni/
Causing amusement or laughter; humorous.
The clown's act was so funny that the audience was in stitches.
💡 Simply: Something that makes you laugh! Like when your pet does something silly or when you hear a good joke.
👶 For kids: Something that makes you giggle or laugh!
More Examples
She has a funny way of telling stories that always makes me smile.
It's funny how quickly the time goes by when you're having fun.
How It's Used
"That comedian is really funny."
"The movie had a lot of funny scenes."
Odd; strange; unusual; difficult to explain or understand.
/ˈfʌni/
Strange or peculiar; difficult to explain.
I had a funny feeling that I was being watched.
💡 Simply: A little bit weird or unusual. Like when you see something that doesn't quite fit.
👶 For kids: A little bit strange or weird.
More Examples
There's something funny going on in the neighborhood.
The car made a funny noise before it broke down.
How It's Used
"I had a funny feeling something was wrong."
"There was something funny about the way he was acting."
Idioms & expressions
funny bone
The ulnar nerve at the elbow; also used humorously to refer to the point of the elbow where a sharp blow causes a tingling sensation.
"I bumped my funny bone against the table and it sent a shock up my arm."
make a funny
To say or do something humorous.
"The comedian tried to make a funny to get the crowd laughing."
From Middle English *funni*, probably from Old English *fyrn* ('of the past'), perhaps influenced by Middle English *fonne* ('fool'). Initially used to mean 'causing amusement' but later broadened to encompass 'strange' or 'odd'.
The word 'funny' has been used since the late 16th century initially with the meaning of 'odd' or 'peculiar'. The sense of 'amusing' developed later.
Memory tip
Think of someone telling a joke and making you burst out laughing. That's funny!