hilarity

noun

hi·​lar·​i·​ty hi-ˈler-ə-tē 

hī-

: boisterous merriment or laughter

Synonyms of hilarity

• glee
• cheerfulness
• merriness
• festivity
• cheer

Examples of hilarity in a Sentence

My attempt to carve the turkey was a source of great hilarity at the dinner table.

hilarity is the last thing you expect to find at a funeral, but we were there to celebrate his life rather than to dwell on his death

Recent Examples on the Web

Roisin Gallagher, Sinéad Keenan and Caoilfhionn Dunne anchor a top-notch ensemble as a trio of friends whose trip from Belfast to Ireland’s County Donegal for a funeral leads to unearthed secrets, hilarity and emotion. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026

Root deflects credit for its hilarity. — Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2026

Clad in a Canadian tuxedo and brimming with enthusiasm and a competitive spirit that often verged on the combative, Ed Gamble clearly came into Taskmaster wanting to win, and his sheer desire to do well produced some of the show’s most enduring moments of testy hilarity. — Matthew Jackson, Vulture, 12 June 2026

Naturally, hilarity ensues as Shane tries to protect the family while taking care of the children. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hilarity

• alterity
• asperity
• austerity
• celerity
• dexterity
• disparity
• molarity
• planarity
• polarity
• posterity
• prosperity
• severity

Kids Definition

hilarity

noun

hi·​lar·​i·​ty hil-ˈar-ət-ē 

-ˈer-;

hī-ˈlar-, 

-ˈler-

: noisy fun