pun

1 of 2

noun

ˈpən 

: the usually humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest two or more of its meanings or the meaning of another word similar in sound

pun

2 of 2

verb

punned; punning

intransitive verb

: to make puns

Did you know?

What is the Difference Between a double entendre and a pun?

The words double entendre and pun are both about double meanings. Double entendre, in fact, originated in an obsolete expression in French, which means “double meaning.” The origins of pun are less certain, but it likely traces to the Italian word puntiglio meaning “fine point, quibble.” In English, double entendre refers to a double meaning in which one meaning is usually shocking or risqué in its sexual suggestiveness. Pun usually has more to do with silly or humorous double meanings than with anything sexually suggestive or lewd.

Examples of pun in a Sentence

Noun

The delicatessen is sandwiched, if you'll pardon the pun, between two stores.

She's a skillful pilot whose career has—no pun intended—really taken off.

Verb

“Firefighting sparks my interest,” he punned.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Her love of books inspired her to open a bookstore in Gainesville in 2024 called The Lynx – its name a pun about the building of bonds within the community – in reaction to Governor Ron DeSantis’ encouragement of book bans in schools and libraries. —Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 28 Feb. 2026

Davidson has coprolalia—uncontrollable obscene speech—hence the pun in the title of the film. —Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026

Verb

Needless to say, this tennis center, as well as several others in the area, has served (pun intended) as the backdrop for many of my tennis tournaments, both as a junior and adult player. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2026

The Giants will have other options, pun absolutely intended, and flexibility and utility could win out over potential and ceiling. —Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps from Italian puntiglio fine point, quibble — more at punctilio

First Known Use

Noun

1644, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1670, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pun

• bun
• done
• dun
• fun
• gun
• hun
• jun
• none
• nun
• one
• run
• shun

Kids Definition

pun

noun

ˈpən

: the humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest different meanings or of words having the same sound but different meanings

pun verb