double entendre
noun
ˈdüb-ᵊl-äⁿ-ˈtäⁿd(rᵊ)
ˈdüb-ᵊl-äⁿ-ˈtäⁿd(rᵊ)(z)
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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 double entendre in a Sentence
Chris Nashawaty, EW.com, 29 May 2024
This double entendre uses the Whitney Houston film The Bodyguard to evoke Lamar’s fiancée, Whitney Alford, who was featured on cover of Lamar’s Mr. Morale the Big Steppers with their two children.
—Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2024
The footage was rife with double entendres aimed at Hollywood, as well as direct references to Marvel and Disney.
—Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2024
On the tour, Mishaal also teased several singles from his forthcoming album, Home is Changing, a double entendre for undeniable progress happening in the Kingdom, but also deep within the artist.
—Maha Elnabawi, Billboard, 9 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for double entendre 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'double entendre.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near double entendre
Cite this Entry
“Double entendre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20entendre. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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