Joke
/dʒoʊk/
Definitions
2 meaningsA humorous story or remark intended to provoke laughter.
/dʒoʊk/
A thing that someone says to cause amusement or laughter, especially a story with a funny punchline.
He told a hilarious joke that made everyone burst out laughing.
💡 Simply: A joke is like a mini-story or a funny saying that's made to make you giggle or laugh. You might hear a friend tell you a joke, or read one in a book. It's all about getting a good chuckle!
👶 For kids: A joke is something funny that makes you laugh!
More Examples
I didn't understand the joke, so I didn't laugh.
The comedian's jokes kept the audience entertained throughout the show.
How It's Used
"He told a funny joke at the party."
"The comedian's routine was filled with witty jokes."
To make a joke; say something as a joke.
/dʒoʊk/
To say something as a joke.
I was just joking, I didn't mean to offend anyone.
💡 Simply: To joke is to say something that's not completely serious, usually to be funny or to tease. Like when you say something silly to make a friend laugh, you're joking.
👶 For kids: To joke is when you say something funny on purpose.
More Examples
He loves to joke around with his friends.
They often joke about their shared experiences.
How It's Used
"I was just joking when I said you looked old."
"He joked about his boss during the meeting."
Idioms & expressions
The joke's on (someone)
Used to indicate that someone has been tricked or is now the subject of a joke.
"He thought he was being clever, but the joke's on him – he lost the bet!"
From Middle English jok, perhaps from Old French joc (game, jest), ultimately from Latin iocus (jest, joke).
The word 'joke' has been used in English for several centuries, evolving from its earlier meaning of a jest or playful action to its more common meaning today as a humorous remark or story.
Memory tip
Think of a clown telling a funny story to make people laugh.
Word Origin
"Jest, joke"