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

One knockout concoction called The Persephone, boasts gin, elderflower, crème de violet and thyme, a pun to the time Persephone spent in the underworld. —Suzanne Wright, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025

This popular author and San Diego Union-Tribune columnist will share history, lore, jokes, puns, poems, and funny verse about Halloween. —Sarah Z. Sleeper, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Oct. 2025

Verb

Even in the majors, though, the directive is strikingly similar, pun intended. —Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

Then, Jaime Green joins Drew to shed some light on the mysterious nature (pun intended) of being Series Editor for The Best American Science & Nature Writing—because the next round of Best American titles comes out next Tuesday! —Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 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