Definition of pun
:the usually humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest two or more of its meanings or the meaning of another word similar in sound
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Examples of pun in a Sentence
The delicatessen is sandwiched, if you'll pardon the pun, between two stores.
She's a skillful pilot whose career has—no pun intended—really taken off.
Recent Examples of pun from the Web
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USA TODAY In the lead-up to August's total solar eclipse, there were plenty of doubters, people who were throwing shade (pun totally intended) on the awesomeness of thousands of people just looking up at the sky.
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The whole back-and-forth is wild, and there are puns and animal-themed digs galore, so have a read.
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With brush application as smooth as butter (pun intended) and color as bright as your favorite sundress, this long-wearing lacquer is the gift that keeps on giving.
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With brush application as smooth as butter (pun intended) and color as bright as your favorite sundress, this long-wearing lacquer is the gift that keeps on giving.
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The actor plays over two dozen characters, her favorite being Samantha because that part is filled with puns.
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From the Ravenclaw pun to 'agent Hagrid', Twitter really has excelled itself here.
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Offered in both black and blue color ways, the pun-ny boots are exclusive to Net-A-Porter and will be available to shop starting July 28th.
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Shoulder stability is created when all the stabilizer muscles that surround the joint are strong and—forgive the pun—pulling their own weight.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pun.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What is the Difference Between a double entendre and a pun?
The words double entendre and pun are both about double meanings. Double entendre, in fact, originated in an obsolete expression in French, which means “double meaning.” The origins of pun are less certain, but it likely traces to the Italian word puntiglio meaning “fine point, quibble.” In English, double entendre refers to a double meaning in which one meaning is usually shocking or risqué in its sexual suggestiveness. Pun usually has more to do with silly or humorous double meanings than with anything sexually suggestive or lewd.
Origin and Etymology of pun
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
Definition of pun
punned;
punning
intransitive verb
:to make puns
Examples of pun in a Sentence
“Firefighting sparks my interest,” he punned.
Recent Examples of pun from the Web
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For fashion-lovers like ourselves, this is a prime time — pun 100 percent intended — to stock up on staple pieces at way cheaper price points.
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The answer to this question became the performance’s punning title.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pun.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of pun
1670
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
PUN Defined for English Language Learners
pun
play
noun
Definition of pun for English Language Learners
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: a humorous way of using a word or phrase so that more than one meaning is suggested
pun
verb
Definition of pun for English Language Learners
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: to make a pun
PUN Defined for Kids
Definition of pun for Students
:a form of joking in which a person uses a word in two senses
Learn More about pun
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See words that rhyme with pun Spanish Central: Translation of pun Nglish: Translation of pun for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pun for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pun
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