What does pun mean?
A pun is a joke built around the fact that language can be interpreted in more than one way. It commonly exploits a word's several meanings, or creates an unexpected similarity between words that sound alike but have different definitions. Puns can be brief exchanges, formal jokes, comic devices in stories, or a form of playful advertising. They are especially associated with humour, wit, and wordplay, though repeated puns may seem tiresome. A pun differs from an ordinary joke because its humour depends on linguistic ambiguity: the listener recognizes the intended double meaning and the alternative interpretation at the same time. The related verb means to make or tell puns, while punning describes the activity or a style of speaking characterized by such wordplay. Understanding puns is important for appreciating comedy, literature, advertising, and many forms of informal conversation.
A joke based on the multiple meanings of a word or on similarity between different words.
"The film was enjoyable, although the ending felt like a pun."
Often used in the phrase 'make a pun' and commonly associated with deliberate wordplay.
To make or tell a pun.
"The speaker punned on the name of the company several times."
Usually used for humour that exploits ambiguity or similarity of sound and word meanings.
The standard plural is 'puns'; the present participle is 'punning' and the past tense is 'punned'.
"The magazine's witty advertisements were full of puns."
A pun turns language loose: the joke works because the same words can be read in more than one way.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pun come from?
The word pun is an English word with an uncertain origin. It appeared in the early modern period, but its precise derivation is obscure, and the many proposed explanations are not securely established. The later word punster, meaning someone who makes puns, was formed from the noun.
Related word forms
How pun is actually used
Puns are common in informal speech, comedy, advertising, and wordplay, although some contexts may regard them as tired or overly playful. The term can be mildly critical when it describes writing that is deliberately cute or excessively punny.