humorous

adjective

hu·​mor·​ous ˈhyüm-rəs How to pronounce humorous (audio)
ˈyüm-,
ˈhyü-mə-,
ˈyü-
1
a
: full of or characterized by that quality which appeals to a sense of the ludicrous or absurdly incongruous : full of or characterized by humor : funny
humorous stories
shared a humorous anecdote
b
: possessing, indicating, or expressive of an ability to be funny or to be amused by things that are funny : possessing, indicating, or expressive of a sense of humor
a humorous writer
studied his own life … with a shrewd and humorous eyeHarrison Smith
2
obsolete : humid
humorously adverb
humorousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for humorous

witty, humorous, facetious, jocular, jocose mean provoking or intended to provoke laughter.

witty suggests cleverness and quickness of mind.

a witty remark

humorous applies broadly to anything that evokes usually genial laughter and may contrast with witty in suggesting whimsicality or eccentricity.

humorous anecdotes

facetious stresses a desire to produce laughter and may be derogatory in implying dubious or ill-timed attempts at wit or humor.

facetious comments

jocular implies a usually habitual fondness for jesting and joking.

a jocular fellow

jocose is somewhat less derogatory than facetious in suggesting habitual waggishness or playfulness.

jocose proposals

Examples of humorous in a Sentence

The book is very humorous. the humorous moments in an otherwise somber affair
Recent Examples on the Web Directed by Shelley Butler, the humorous play centers on a college student who depends on his four lovable grandparents amid his struggle to stay sober after rehab. Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024 That first issue, which naturally featured the Who’s Pete Townshend on its cover, garnered its creators a humorous letter from Townshend himself (recapped in full in this book’s introduction). Jem Aswad, Variety, 18 Mar. 2024 Supposedly humorous remarks were made about the dog and her supposedly comical appearance. Joseph O’Neill, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 Why Eden decides to keep the baby could have been made clearer, but her decision leads to humorous adventures throughout her pregnancy. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2024 Trump's message comes just days before the Super Bowl, when Bud Light will return to the championship game with a humorous ad and a chance to make its pitch to hordes of beer drinkers. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2024 Their audacious gambit was launched in response to the gentrification taking place around them, a humorous protest against the capitalist forces that threatened to push the city’s artistic community to its outer edges. Brent Lang, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 Revel in the humorous genius of award-winning comedian Mike Delamont. Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2024 Ken’s humorous ballad made its debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 87 in August, merely weeks after the film’s release. Tatiana Tenreyro, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

see humor entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Dictionary Entries Near humorous

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

humorous

adjective
hu·​mor·​ous ˈhyüm-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce humorous (audio)
ˈyüm-
: full of, characterized by, or expressing humor : droll
a humorous story
humorously adverb
humorousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on humorous

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