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

Healthy and delicious, honey helps people stick (no pun intended) to the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, and olive oil adds hundreds of antioxidants. —Jess Cording, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

The puns are enough to make even the grumpiest of reporters giggle. —David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Sep. 2025

Verb

That is not a sound business model—pun intended. —Chris Almeida, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2025

Hues like coral and sage green add to the bar's softness (pun intended), while unique lighting and glassware allow the room to feel bright and welcoming. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 27 Aug. 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