humorous

1 of 2

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

humorousness

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noun

hu·​mor·​ous·​ness

variants also British humourousness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being humorous

Synonyms of humorous

Adjective

• 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

Adjective

The book is very humorous.

the humorous moments in an otherwise somber affair

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The title is a humorous, literal reference to the late father’s large piece of bone left after cremation. —Jenny S. Li, Variety, 12 June 2026

Their viral, humorous videos about his adventures in life and their father-daughter moments are followed by more than 3 million people. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026

Whether captivating viewers with his effortless charm or displaying an emotional depth that belies his humorous quips, London Brown has carved out a space as both a dramatic force and an undeniable comedic standout. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 June 2026

Although Sarah reportedly intended references such as borrowing Diana's shoes to be humorous, royal commentators said Diana found the passage deeply hurtful. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see humor entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1611, in the meaning defined above

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