joke Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
gag; jest; laugh; jape.
- he told a very funny joke
- he knows a million gags
- thanks for the laugh
- he laughed unpleasantly at his own jest
- even a schoolboy's jape is supposed to have some ascertainable point
noun activity characterized by good humor
jocularity; jest.
noun a ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement
caper; trick; antic; put-on; prank.
noun a triviality not to be taken seriously
- I regarded his campaign for mayor as a joke
verb tell a joke; speak humorously
jest.
- He often jokes even when he appears serious
verb act in a funny or teasing way
jest.

L. jocus. Cf Jeopardy, Jocular, Juggler.

Something said for the sake of exciting a laugh; something witty or sportive (commonly indicating more of hilarity or humor than jest); a jest; a witticism; as, to crack good-natured jokes.
And gentle dullness ever loves a joke. Pope.

Or witty joke our airy senses moves To pleasant laughter. Gay.
Something not said seriously, or not actually meant; something done in sport.
Inclose whole downs in walls, 't is all a joke. Pope.

imperfect & past participle Joked ; present participle & verbal noun Joking

To make merry with; to make jokes upon; to rally; to banter; as, to joke a comrade.

L. jocari.

To do something for sport, or as a joke; to be merry in words or actions; to jest.
He laughed, shouted, joked, and swore. Macaulay.
Syn. -- To jest; sport; rally; banter. See Jest.