hilarity

noun

hi·​lar·​i·​ty hi-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce hilarity (audio)
hī-
: boisterous merriment or laughter

Examples of hilarity in a Sentence

My attempt to carve the turkey was a source of great hilarity at the dinner table. hilarity is the last thing you expect to find at a funeral, but we were there to celebrate his life rather than to dwell on his death
Recent Examples on the Web Even when playing the pseudo-straight man — a socially inept sorority girl — Stone brings undeniable charm and awkward hilarity to the table. Shania Russell, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2024 It was seen as an exercise in outright hubris, a source of either embarrassment or hilarity, six hours of unceasing cringe. Rory Smith, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2024 The comedy aspect is a key draw for the series, as complex storytelling is uplifted by persistent hilarity without things going too far off the rails. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Jan. 2024 From the 'Devil Wears Prada' reunion to Barbra Streisand's emotional acceptance speech, check out the highlights from SAG-AFTRA's unforgettable evening The 2024 Screen Actors Guild Awards were full of highlights and hilarity. Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024 And without Louie, there would have been no Atlanta or Dave or so many series that blurred reality and situation comedy, hilarity and discomfort. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2024 This show is a mix of hilarity, fashion, and stylistic construction coupled with the humorous wit of a drag show and the architectural glamor of a Barbie Dreamhouse on steroids. Briana Richert, James Mercadante, EW.com, 19 Feb. 2024 The show takes on the horror classic in all its glorious 1970s-ness with hilarity, blasphemy and rock ’n’ roll. Sam Hurwitt, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2024 Later in the play, after Babbitt catches an adulterous second wind, Broderick turns the character’s attempt to sit on some pillows on the floor into a moment of giddy physical comedy that had the La Jolla Playhouse audience seizing up in hilarity and no doubt a little sympathetic discomfort. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hilarity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hilarity was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near hilarity

Cite this Entry

“Hilarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hilarity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hilarity

noun
hi·​lar·​i·​ty hil-ˈar-ət-ē How to pronounce hilarity (audio)
-ˈer-;
hī-ˈlar-,
-ˈler-
: noisy fun

More from Merriam-Webster on hilarity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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