ENGLISH
REFERENCE

funny

adj. · n. · adv.
US //ˈfəni// UK //fˈʌni// fun·ny
  1. 1 amusing (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    making you laugh or smile.

    causing laughter or amusement; humorous in nature.

    Example

    The comedian told a very funny story about his dog.

    Example

    The play was surprisingly funny, blending sharp social satire with physical comedy that kept the audience laughing throughout the second act.
  2. 2 strange or unusual (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    strange, surprising, or hard to explain.

    strange, unusual, or suspicious; often used to describe something that feels slightly wrong or unexpected.

    Example

    That milk has a funny smell, so I think it might be old.

    Example

    The car has been making a funny noise whenever I accelerate, so I should probably take it to the mechanic before the weekend.
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 unfriendly or resentful (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Informal

    behaving in a way that is slightly angry, rude, or difficult to deal with.

    exhibiting unexpected resentment, moodiness, or an uncooperative attitude.

    Example

    Don't get funny with me just because I asked you to help.

    Example

    He went all funny when I suggested we split the bill, even though we had agreed on it earlier.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'to get funny with someone'.
  2. 4 a joke (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a joke or a clever remark.

    an informal term for a joke or a humorous remark.

    Example

    He tried to make a funny during the meeting, but nobody laughed.

    Example

    The speaker attempted a quick funny to break the ice, though the formal atmosphere of the conference made the joke fall flat.
  3. 5 strangely (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    in a strange or unusual way.

    in an unusual or peculiar manner; functions as a nonstandard alternative to 'strangely'.

    Example

    My computer is acting funny today and keeps restarting.

    Example

    The engine started running funny after we hit that deep puddle, suggesting some water might have entered the intake.

    Usage

    Commonly used with verbs like 'act', 'feel', or 'talk'.
Etymology 1

From fun + -y.

Etymology 2

Perhaps a jocular use of funny. See above.

Word family
Idioms7 entries

© 2026 English Reference