gallows humor

noun

: humor that makes fun of a life-threatening, disastrous, or terrifying situation

Examples of gallows humor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The series is wildly atmospheric with plenty of gallows humor and more than a few truly loopy plotlines, but great fun with Davis managing, as ever, to sell even the most preposterous scene. Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026 Watching Nate slowly meet consequences in beatings from mobsters, while Cassie could barely muster concern, was Levinson succeeding at gallows humor. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 June 2026 Beautiful, high-energy, charming, unfiltered, fun and funny, with a quick wit and gallows humor, Margaret adores her daughter fiercely and completely, but also fears losing her love. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 June 2026 Others have turned to gallows humor. Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gallows humor

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gallows humor was in 1901

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Cite this Entry

“Gallows humor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gallows%20humor. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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