pleasantry

noun

pleas·​ant·​ry ˈple-zᵊn-trē How to pronounce pleasantry (audio)
plural pleasantries
1
: a humorous act or remark : jest
2
: an agreeable playfulness in conversation : banter
3
: a polite social remark
exchanged pleasantries

Examples of pleasantry in a Sentence

“how are you” is merely a social pleasantry his after-dinner speeches usually include the sort of gentle pleasantry that raises a chuckle
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.
Brown saluted Hegseth as his motorcade arrived, then shook his hand as the two exchanged pleasantries. Matt Seyler, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2025 There were no customary pleasantries, just deep inhales of breath. Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 At the start of the two-minute clip, released Wednesday, the unseen enemies meet for coffee and exchange pleasantries. Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2025 Obama also exchanged pleasantries with the incoming president, with the former Democratic leader chuckling at times. Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pleasantry 

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pleasantry was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near pleasantry

Cite this Entry

“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pleasantry. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

pleasantry

noun
pleas·​ant·​ry ˈplez-ᵊn-trē How to pronounce pleasantry (audio)
plural pleasantries
1
: agreeable playfulness in conversation
2
a
: a humorous act or speech
b
: a light or casual polite remark
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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