hilarity

noun

hi·​lar·​i·​ty hi-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce hilarity (audio)
hī-
Synonyms of hilaritynext
: boisterous merriment or laughter

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So, without further ado, here are 9 of my favorite holiday romances stuffed full of hilarity, hope, emotional baggage and love. Jenny Bayliss, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025 The clip has amassed more than 350 comments, with most poking fun at the hilarity of the moment. MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025 Viola criticizes how lazy the kids are, and hilarity ensues when tasked with cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Allison Sadlier, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Nov. 2025 Advertisement Back at the bookstore, the hilarity gives way to a confrontation that shakes Lee to his core. Judy Berman, Time, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hilarity

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hilarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hilarity. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

hilarity

noun
hi·​lar·​i·​ty hil-ˈar-ət-ē How to pronounce hilarity (audio)
-ˈer-;
hī-ˈlar-
-ˈler-
: noisy fun

More from Merriam-Webster on hilarity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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