gallows humor

noun

: humor that makes fun of a life-threatening, disastrous, or terrifying situation

Examples of gallows humor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Jokes about the rising cost of living and the state of the economy are rife, with many internet users embracing gallows humor. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026

Bands like Bikini Kill and Bratmobile aimed wrathful lyrics and gallows humor at a culture of misogyny that plagued their daily lives, from condescending male musicians to abusive fathers. —Judy Berman, Time, 14 Jan. 2026

There’s a dose of gallows humor about an offense whose biggest call for credit was its red zone efficiency ending the season on the 21-yard line. —Zach Berman, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026

Hosting the Golden Globe Awards for the second year in a row, Glaser opened the 83rd ceremony with a speech that blended industry gallows humor, political commentary, and her celebrity roast bonafides for an especially strong start to the celebration. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gallows humor

• antitumor
• pseudotumor
• boomer
• humour
• plumer
• rumor
• rumour
• tumor
• tumour
• consumer
• perfumer