What does "funny" mean?
A joke.
Funny
/ˈfʌni/ adj, adv, noun, slang
adj, adv, noun, slang ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A joke.
- Grammar: funny is listed as adj, adv, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: amusing, comical, odd, peculiar.
- Useful contrasts: humorless, conventional, dull.
- Usage evidence: I hit my funny bone on the edge of the table.
How to use "funny"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "funny" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "funny" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "funny" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "funny" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "funny" is acting as adj, adv, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "amusing" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "funny", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A joke. informal
"After church I am met by a dear parishioner who says, "Got a funny for you. Father." Now I'll have "funnies," so I can reply. "Got one for you too, Mary!""
- 2 A narrow, clinker-built double-ender for sculling. Ireland, UK, dated
"I myself recollect the funnies at Eton, which were certain little boats, capable of containing one person only, who, like an Indian in his canoe, was constantly obliged to balance himself, with such critical nicety, that the least mistake was certain of producing a ducking."
- 3 an account of an amusing incident (usually with a punch line) wordnet
- 4 A comic strip. informal
"Chic Young, who created his funny funny, “Blondie,” in 1930, and kept it the most popular comic strip in the world right through the unfunny generation, was quick to see the difference between the innocent funnies and the new generation of comics that started after the Second World War:"
- 5 Humor in general. Internet, ironic
"Where's the funny? Your meme sucks."
Adjective
- 1 Amusing; humorous; comical.
"When I went to the circus, I only found the clowns funny."
- 2 Strange or unusual, often in an unpleasant way.
"The milk smelt funny so I poured it away."
- 3 Showing unexpected resentment. Ireland, UK, informal
"'Moved in where?' Sam asked Brona in confusion. 'What boyfriend?' 'Glen,' Brona said quietly. 'You met him a while ago, remember? He only moved in last week. I was going to tell you but […] I thought you might be funny about it, that's all.'"
- 4 Homosexual; gay. Jamaica, derogatory, offensive
"Funny man ah get drop like a bad habit."
Adjective
- 1 beyond or deviating from the usual or expected wordnet
- 2 arousing or provoking laughter wordnet
- 3 not as expected wordnet
- 4 experiencing odd bodily sensations wordnet
Adverb
- 1 In an unusual manner; strangely. nonstandard
"She was breathing funny now."
- 2 In a manner seen as being typical of a homosexual, or indicating homosexuality. Jamaica, derogatory, offensive
"Dem nuh waan nuh honey, dem only waan di money. Dat’s how me know seh dem bwoy deh all a move funny."
Antonyms
Example
"I hit my funny bone on the edge of the table."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "funny"?
Common synonyms include: amusing, comical, odd, peculiar, abnormal, absurd.
How do you use "funny" in a sentence?
I hit my funny bone on the edge of the table.
How do you pronounce "funny"?
Pronounced /ˈfʌni/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From fun + -y.
Etymology 2
Perhaps a jocular use of funny. See above.