Skip to main content

punA joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: A joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings

Pronunciation (IPA): /pʌn/

Example Sentences

  • I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger, then it hit me.
  • The math teacher called in sick with algebra - it must be a logarithm.
  • His puns are so bad that they're actually good.

pun

NOUN

[/pʌn/]

A joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings

A joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings
💡 Concept

A joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings

When the pun show's done, everyone had fun!
🎵 Rhyme

When the pun show's done, everyone had fun!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/pʌn/
🇬🇧 UK/pʌn/

🌳Etymology

Rootpun

Origin

The word 'pun' likely derives from the Italian 'puntiglio' meaning a fine point or quibble, which was shortened and anglicized in the 17th century. It may also have roots in the verb 'pound' or 'punch,' referring to a verbal thrust or hit.

Breakdown

Pun is a monosyllabic word with no clear morpheme breakdown; it functions as a standalone noun without prefix, root, or suffix components that can be distinctly separated.

🎵Rhyme

funrunsundonegun
fun
run
sun
done
gun

🔗Collocations

make a pun
clever pun
bad pun
pun intended
visual pun

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger, then it hit me.

😄 Fun example

The math teacher called in sick with algebra - it must be a logarithm.

His puns are so bad that they're actually good.

😄 Fun example

Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

wordplayquipwitticismjokeplay on words

Antonyms

serious statementliteral meaning

Related

humorcomedywitjokeriddlesatire

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.