English Reference
verb · noun

joking

v. · n.
US /ˈdʒoʊkɪŋ/ UK /dʒˈəʊkɪŋ/ jok·ing

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Informal

    v.to say something funny to make people laugh.

    v.the act of making humorous remarks or telling anecdotes to provoke laughter.

    Simple

    He was only joking when he said he was moving to Mars.

    In context

    The comedian spent the entire evening joking about the absurdities of modern office life, much to the delight of the audience.

    jestingquipping
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Informal

    v.to say something that is not true as a trick or to be playful.

    v.to engage in playful deception or to claim something false for humorous effect.

    Simple

    You must be joking if you think I can finish all this work by five.

    In context

    When she told me she had won the lottery, I assumed she was joking until she produced the winning ticket as proof.

    kiddingteasingpranking
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the activity of telling jokes or being funny with friends.

    n.the practice or instance of engaging in jests or humorous exchanges.

    Simple

    The constant joking in the classroom made it hard for the teacher to start the lesson.

    In context

    Despite the gravity of the situation, there was a certain amount of light-hearted joking among the rescue crew to relieve the tension.

    banterjesting
This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated