humorous

adjective

hu·​mor·​ous ˈhyüm-rəs How to pronounce humorous (audio)
ˈyüm-,
ˈhyü-mə- How to pronounce humorous (audio)
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 eyeHarrison Smith
2
obsolete : humid
humorously adverb
humorousness noun
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
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.
It is meant to be instructional, philosophical, informative, uplifting, and sometimes humorous. Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 Galloway provides a perspective that’s at turns humorous and moving, giving new grads solid advice while entertaining them as well. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025 Throughout its six films, the franchise has killed hundreds of people in ways that are horrifying, agonizing and sometimes even a little humorous. Keith Langston, People.com, 18 May 2025 The humor is in the lack of effort to be humorous, as cleverly devised by Wells. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for humorous

Word History

Etymology

see humor entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

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Cite this Entry

“Humorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/humorous. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

humorous

adjective
hu·​mor·​ous ˈhyüm-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce humorous (audio)
ˈyüm-
: full of, characterized by, or expressing humor : droll
a humorous story
humorously adverb
humorousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on humorous

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