- 1something that you say or do to make people laugh, for example a funny story that you tell I can't tell jokes. She's always cracking jokes. They often make jokes at each other's expense. I didn't get the joke (= understand it). I wish he wouldn't tell dirty jokes (= about sex). I only did it as a joke (= it was not meant seriously). see in-joke, practical joke
- 2[singular] (informal) a person, thing, or situation that is ridiculous or annoying and cannot be taken seriously This latest pay offer is a joke. see jocular Idioms
to be difficult or unpleasant It's no joke trying to find a job these days.
used to say that someone who tried to make another person look ridiculous now looks ridiculous instead
to laugh about something that is serious or should be taken seriously
to be able to laugh at a joke against yourself The trouble with her is she can't take a joke.
Check pronunciation: joke