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

Speaking of sugary snacks, that’s pretty much the best way to describe the movie, which offers some mild life lessons along the way but is mostly a silly diversion featuring lots of peppy pop songs and far too many painful cat puns. —Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025

The team of the party was ‘racy’, a pun on Matthews’ love for motorsports. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 23 Sep. 2025

Verb

Her football goal didn’t materialize, as coach Caffey put his foot down (pun intended). —James Varsallone, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025

Reformation’s signature vintage flair and Smith’s theatrical whimsy (pun intended). —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 22 Sep. 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