Definition of "joke" in English

noun

1. An amusing story.

2. Something said or done for amusement, not in seriousness.

   • It was a joke!

3. (figuratively) The root cause or main issue, especially an unexpected one

4. (figuratively) A laughably worthless thing or person; a sham.

   • Your effort at cleaning your room is a joke.
   • The president was a joke.

5. (figuratively) Something that is far easier or far less challenging than expected.

   • The final exam was a joke.

verb

1. (intransitive) To do or say something for amusement rather than seriously.

   • I didn’t mean what I said — I was only joking.

2. (intransitive, followed by with) To dupe in a friendly manner for amusement; to mess with, play with.

   • Relax, man, I'm just joking with you.

3. (transitive, dated) To make merry with; to make jokes upon; to rally.

   • to joke a comrade