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 of humorous

• 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

Pledging love and respecting someone or a relationship can make people feel so uncomfortable that leaning into these tropes of life can feel humorous, and that’s where the laughs from a Hallmark film come from. — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

What readers are saying The conversation explores a humorous and critical response to an article about making the perfect cup of coffee. — Tim Carman, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2026

Down recalled one humorous tea time with de Havilland, which was hosted by Hayley and Juliet Mills’ mother (and John Mills’ wife), Mary. — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2026

The request, which Seaver shared in the family’s full death announcement⁠, offered a characteristically humorous final image from Parton and further illustrated the trust between the singer and her nephew. — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

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