humorous

adjective

hu·​mor·​ous ˈhyüm-rəs 

ˈyüm-,

ˈhyü-mə- 

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 eye

—Harrison Smith

2

obsolete : humid

humorously adverb

humorousness noun

Synonyms

• funny
• comedic
• amusing
• comical
• comic
• entertaining

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

The sitting mayor, a 3-year-old shorthair indoor-outdoor cat named Berry who enjoys hanging out near the bike path, was appointed the humorous role by his owner, Mallory Bissett, back in July. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025

There are a lot of different kinds of reminiscing on here, humorous and serious. —Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025

While these discoveries are sometimes humorous, the USGS hopes such items remain with their owners, and offers a few simple reminders for park visitors. —Owen Clarke, Outside, 11 Sep. 2025

On stage, DeMarco projected a charismatic, likable and humorous persona that went beyond his simple attire of a baseball cap and a T-shirt. —David Chiu, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see humor entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for humorous

• humerus
• numerous

Kids Definition

humorous

adjective

hu·​mor·​ous ˈhyüm-(ə-)rəs 

ˈyüm-

: full of, characterized by, or expressing humor : droll

a humorous story

humorously adverb

humorousness noun