humorous

adjective

hu·​mor·​ous ˈhyüm-rəs How to pronounce humorous (audio)
ˈyüm-,
ˈhyü-mə- How to pronounce humorous (audio)
ˈyü-
1
a
: full of or characterized by that quality which appeals to a sense of the ludicrous or absurdly incongruous : full of or characterized by humor : funny
humorous stories
shared a humorous anecdote
b
: possessing, indicating, or expressive of an ability to be funny or to be amused by things that are funny : possessing, indicating, or expressive of a sense of humor
a humorous writer
studied his own life … with a shrewd and humorous eyeHarrison Smith
2
obsolete : humid
humorously adverb
humorousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for humorous

witty, humorous, facetious, jocular, jocose mean provoking or intended to provoke laughter.

witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

Examples of humorous in a Sentence

The book is very humorous. the humorous moments in an otherwise somber affair
Recent Examples on the Web
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The plan was to show our charismatic side and humorous side at the same time, with an additional touch of Korean elements. WWD, 23 Dec. 2024 Hackett and Sales are an absolutely ridiculous guest cast and pairing, providing humorous intimidation and a hilarious runner in their recognition of Sam at the bar (Sam!). Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 23 Dec. 2024 As Dmytro, Em Kaplan nails some of the more humorous lines. Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 2024 Today, the neighborhood association still hands out awards – bells that designate the residents’ top choice; the most humorous; most religious; and the best use of lights and theme. Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for humorous 

Word History

Etymology

see humor entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of humorous was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near humorous

Cite this Entry

“Humorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humorous. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

humorous

adjective
hu·​mor·​ous ˈhyüm-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce humorous (audio)
ˈyüm-
: full of, characterized by, or expressing humor : droll
a humorous story
humorously adverb
humorousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on humorous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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