Joke
Joke , noun
[Latin jocus. Cf Jeopardy, Jocular, Juggler.]
1.
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.
Or witty joke our airy senses moves
To pleasant laughter.
2.
Something not said seriously, or not actually meant; something done in sport.
Inclose whole downs in walls, 't is all a joke.
Collocations (2)
In joke , in jest; sportively; not meant seriously.
Practical joke , See under Practical.
Joke , transitive verb
To make merry with; to make jokes upon; to rally; to banter; as, to joke a comrade.
Joke , intransitive verb
[Latin 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.