gallows humor

noun

: humor that makes fun of a life-threatening, disastrous, or terrifying situation

Examples of gallows humor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The way that the two of us coped with those hospital stays was often making each other laugh and gallows humor. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 18 Dec. 2024 The combative environment engendered a grim sort of gallows humor. Jason Parham, WIRED, 13 Dec. 2024 Lester Fabian Brathwaite's new essay collection blends searing cultural critique with gallows humor for anyone who's feeling some kind of way lately. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 18 Nov. 2024 The term took on a gallows humor without the humor. Betsy Lerner, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gallows humor 

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gallows humor was in 1901

Dictionary Entries Near gallows humor

Cite this Entry

“Gallows humor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gallows%20humor. Accessed 11 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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