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Entry 4 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Joke

· IPA /d͡ʒoʊk/
01 n. Something said for the sake of exciting a laugh; something witty or sportive (commonly indicating more of hilarity or humor than jest); a j…
  1. 1.
    Something said for the sake of exciting a laugh; something witty or sportive (commonly indicating more of hilarity or humor than jest); a jest; a witticism; as, to crack good-natured jokes.
    “And gentle dullness ever loves a joke.” — Pope.
    “Or witty joke our airy senses moves To pleasant laughter.” — Gay.
  2. 2.
    Something not said seriously, or not actually meant; something done in sport.
    “Inclose whole downs in walls, 't is all a joke.” — Pope.
Phrases & compounds
In joke — in jest; sportively; not meant seriously.
Practical joke — See under Practical.
02 v. t. To make merry with; to make jokes upon; to rally; to banter; as, to joke a comrade.
imp. & p. p. Joked; p. pr. & vb. n. Joking
  1. 1.
    To make merry with; to make jokes upon; to rally; to banter; as, to joke a comrade.
03 v. i. To do something for sport, or as a joke; to be merry in words or actions; to jest.
  1. 1.
    To do something for sport, or as a joke; to be merry in words or actions; to jest.
    “He laughed, shouted, joked, and swore.” — Macaulay.
Syn. To jest; sport; rally; banter. See Jest.