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Definitions for Punning

[1] the humorous use of a word or phrase so as to emphasize or suggest its different meanings or applications, or the use of words that are alike or nearly alike in sound but different in meaning; a play on words.
[2] the word or phrase used in this way.
[3] to make puns.
[4] the use of words or phrases to exploit ambiguities and innuendoes in their meaning, usually for humorous effect; a play on words. An example is: "Ben Battle was a soldier bold, And used to war's alarms: But a cannonball took off his legs, So he laid down his arms." (Thomas Hood)
[5] (intr) to make puns
[6] (tr) British to pack (earth, rubble, etc) by pounding

Words related to Punning

punbanter, quip, laugh, rag, pun, revel, deride, jest, wisecrack, rib, sport, jape, josh, jolly, frolic, mock, fool, play, roast, taunt

Words nearby Punning

punpumpkin, pumpkin head, pumpking, pumpkinseed, pumpman, pun, puna, punakha, punan, puncak jaya, punce

Origin of Punning

1655–65; perhaps special use of pun, variant (now dial.) of pound1, i.e., to mistreat (words)

Other words from Punning

pun·less , adjective

Word origin for Punning

C16: dialectal variant of pound 1

Synonyms for Punning

amusing, blithe, capering, clever, comic, comical, droll, dry, fanciful, farcical, flip, flippant, frivolous, funny, gay, humorous, indecorous, ironic, irreverent, jesting, jocose, jocular, joking, joshing, laughable, ludicrous, merry, not serious, playful, pleasant, pulling one's leg, putting one on, ridiculous, salty, sarcastic, satirical, smart, sportive, sprightly, waggish, whimsical, wisecracking, witty, wry