jeu d'esprit

noun

jeu d'es·​prit zhœ-de-ˈsprē How to pronounce jeu d'esprit (audio)
plural jeux d'esprit zhœ-de-ˈsprē How to pronounce jeu d'esprit (audio)
: a witty comment or composition

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, play of the mind

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jeu d'esprit was in 1712

Dictionary Entries Near jeu d'esprit

jeu

jeu d'esprit

jeu de mots

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Jeu d'esprit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jeu%20d%27esprit. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

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