pun

[US]/pʌn/
[UK]/pʌn/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. a form of word play that suggests two or more meanings, by exploiting multiple meanings of words, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect

vi. to make a joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings.

Example Sentences

The slogan is a pun on the name of the product.

A man who could make so vile a pun would not scruple to pick a pocket.

the Railway Society reception was an informal party of people of all stations (excuse the pun) in life.

"He made the following pun, 'Seven days without water make one weak'."

The rhetorical device-pun intentionally uses homophone (phonogram) and polysemous words which can possible generate equivocality in order to punningly express what the speaker is really driving at.

She couldn't resist making a pun about the bakery's bread prices.

He always enjoys a good pun and appreciates clever wordplay.

The comedian's puns had the audience laughing non-stop.

She cleverly inserted a pun into her presentation to lighten the mood.

The pun in the headline caught everyone's attention.

He couldn't help but chuckle at the pun in the cartoon.

The pun was so cleverly crafted that it became the talk of the town.

Her puns always add a touch of humor to our conversations.

The pun he made was so bad that it made everyone groan.

The puns in the movie were cleverly placed and kept the audience entertained.

Real-world Examples

Hey guys we " pepperoneed" more food puns.

Source: CNN 10 Student English March 2020 Compilation

That's about all the Wonder Woman puns we could lasso.

Source: CNN 10 Student English March 2018 Collection

But, people who like puns they LOVE puns.

Source: The secret to keeping conversations from falling flat.

And of course I was making a pun, Neil.

Source: 6 Minute English

Now " taco" moment to cook up a few corny puns.

Source: CNN 10 Student English November 2021 Compilation

That joke is a pun on the word " cover."

Source: VOA Special Collection July 2022

I'm Carl Azuz serving up puns for CNN 10.

Source: CNN 10 Student English Compilation April 2021

Ohh, are you making a bad pun or just lisping?

Source: Modern Family - Season 02

Some say they're pun funny; some say they're pun laughable.

Source: CNN 10 Student English December 2019 Collection

And with that, we drive away with snow more puns to say today.

Source: CNN 10 Student English January 2018 Compilation

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