pun

1 of 2

noun

ˈpən 

: 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

pun

2 of 2

verb

punned; punning

intransitive verb

: to make puns

Did you know?

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.

Examples of pun in a Sentence

Noun

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.

Verb

“Firefighting sparks my interest,” he punned.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The chicken was crunchy on the outside but moist and tender (pardon the pun) on the inside. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025

This marked the 75th anniversary of the turkey pardoning tradition, and Biden leaned into the puns in celebration. —Alex Heigl, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

Verb

That’s right—the mega online retailer is stuffed (pun intended) with can’t-miss discounts on luggage sets, travel bags, carry-ons, and luggage accessories during Turkey Day. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2025

Also, Heaven Hill opened a brand-new facility last spring called Heaven Hills Springs Distillery in Bardstown, the spiritual (pun intended) home of Kentucky bourbon. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps from Italian puntiglio fine point, quibble — more at punctilio

First Known Use

Noun

1644, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1670, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pun

• bun
• done
• dun
• fun
• gun
• hun
• jun
• none
• nun
• one
• run
• shun

Kids Definition

pun

noun

ˈpən

: the humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest different meanings or of words having the same sound but different meanings

pun verb