knock-knock joke

noun

plural knock-knock jokes
: a formulaic joke that begins with the words "Knock knock" in imitation of someone knocking on a door

Note: The standard pattern of a knock-knock joke calls for a response of "Who's there?", a cryptic reply identifying the knocker, a further response repeating the name of the knocker followed by "who?", and a final joking reply typically featuring a pun or play on words.

William Cole … is a perpetrator of, and authority on, the knock-knock joke. "Knock-knock jokes are basically puns, that's all, and you've got to have a feel for the ludicrous," he says. …. he considers the following to be his best creation: "Knock knock." Who's there? "Amaryllis." Amaryllis who? "Amaryllis state agent. Wanna buy a house?"Glenn Collins
Big Bird to audience: "You're having fun, right? Okay, let's do a knock-knock joke. Knock knock." Audience: "Who's there?" BB: "Ya." Audience: "Ya who?" BB: "See, I told you you were having fun." Groan if you like, but it's a hoot to a 4-year-old.Steve Parks

Examples of knock-knock joke 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.
Here are a few family-friendly Valentine's Day knock-knock jokes: Knock, knock. Fiona Tapp, Parents, 30 Jan. 2025 That isn’t to say that Jost is handing over knock-knock jokes. Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025 Valentine's Day Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids Most kids love a good knock-knock joke. Fiona Tapp, Parents, 30 Jan. 2025 And what better way to greet your relatives than sharing a punny one-liner or knock-knock joke? These 100 Turkey Day jokes will keep your cousins laughing far after the food is gobbled from the table: Thanksgiving jokes How does Thanksgiving always end? Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024 And what better way to greet your relatives than sharing a punny one-liner or knock-knock joke? Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024 Prince William's knock-knock joke at his latest engagement came with a playful comment about comedian Jack Whitehall, continuing their yearslong banter! Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024 Here are 10 Valentine's Day knock-knock jokes with family-friendly appeal. Fiona Tapp, Parents, 24 Jan. 2024 Funny One-Liners for Kids Whoever invented knock-knock jokes deserves a no-bell prize. Kelly O'Sullivan, Country Living, 29 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of knock-knock joke was in 1936

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Cite this Entry

“Knock-knock joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knock-knock%20joke. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

knock-knock joke

noun
ˈnäk-ˈnäk-
: a punning joke beginning with the lines "Knock, knock." "Who's there?"
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