Word
punchline
Definition
n. the final part of a joke or story that makes it funny. It is the moment when the listener understands the humor.
n. the final phrase or sentence of a joke that provides the humorous resolution or unexpected twist.
Examples
“The punchline of the joke made everyone laugh.”
“He spent ten minutes setting up the story, but he forgot the punchline at the very end.”
“The comedian masterfully delayed the punchline, building tension until the audience was breathless before delivering the final, absurd revelation.”
Examples
simple
“The punchline of the joke made everyone laugh.”
contextual
“He spent ten minutes setting up the story, but he forgot the punchline at the very end.”
complex
“The comedian masterfully delayed the punchline, building tension until the audience was breathless before delivering the final, absurd revelation.”
Real-World Examples
“Similarly, June Carter often played the unruly country girl who aimed her punchlines at male hosts and duet partners, including Johnny Cash.” Scan code
englishreference.com/q/punchline