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

• 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

The video struck a chord with TikTok users, who flooded the comments with emotional and humorous reactions. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025

Cooper gets considerable humorous mileage out of his goofy stoner role, starting with a guffaw-inducing pratfall entrance involving an exploding carton of oat milk. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025

The production is an uplifting evening of theatre that is both educational and humorous from beginning to end, according to a news release. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Oct. 2025

In a bold and humorous nod to one of the most famous moments of his career, the NBA icon has announced his decision to partner with Hennessy as his go-to spirits brand, unveiling the partnership in a commercial that playfully recreates the tone and style of his 2010 ESPN special, The Decision. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 7 Oct. 2025

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