punch line

noun

: the sentence, statement, or phrase (as in a joke) that makes the point

Examples of punch line in a Sentence

She didn't understand the punch line.
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.
Che packs the whole brother chunk into just 51 words that include two big laughs before the punch line. John Roy, Vulture, 3 July 2025 Skipping to the punch line, hot is always, always better than cold, in my experience. Jason Foodman, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Chances are some other Simpsons obsessive has beaten you to the punch line. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 12 June 2025 Singer’s power moms deliver the issue’s punch line. Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for punch line

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of punch line was in 1916

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Punch line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punch%20line. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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