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

As a champion of puns, she’s also become adept at toying with the sound and meaning of words in her lyrics. —Spin Contributor, SPIN, 6 Dec. 2024

Lululemon is known for many of its best-selling pieces, but the Everywhere Belt Bag particularly stole peoples hearts, well, everywhere (pun intended). —Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 4 Dec. 2024

Verb

The title puns Better Homes & Gardens, a magazine that has devoted itself to a certain middle-class whiteness, and suggests that the lavish houses in its pages willfully ignore the realities beyond them. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 16 Aug. 2024

Filled to the brim with punning wordplay, theatrical allusions, and the delicious chaos of backstage maneuvering, Fifi Martingale is perhaps Rozier’s finest comedic take on the wild digressions and nick-of-time improvisations that comprise both art and life. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 15 July 2024

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

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