Hypertext Webster Gateway: "joke"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Joke \Joke\, n. [L. jocus. Cf {Jeopardy}, {Jocular}, {Juggler}.]
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. Something not said seriously, or not actually meant;
something done in sport.
Inclose whole downs in walls, 't is all a joke.
--Pope.
{In joke}, in jest; sportively; not meant seriously.
{Practical joke}. See under {Practical}.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Joke \Joke\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Joked}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Joking}.]
To make merry with; to make jokes upon; to rally; to banter;
as, to joke a comrade.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Joke \Joke\, v. i. [L. jocari.]
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}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
joke
n 1: a humorous anecdote or remark [syn: {gag}, {laugh}, {jest},
{jape}, {yak}, {wheeze}]
2: activity characterized by good humor [syn: {jest}, {jocularity}]
3: a ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement
[syn: {antic}, {prank}, {trick}, {caper}, {put-on}]
v 1: tell a joke; speak humorously; "He often jokes even when he
appears serious" [syn: {jest}]
2: act in a funny or teasing way [syn: {jest}]
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