Standard Lemma guide

punning

adj · noun · verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈpʌnɪŋ/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -ʌnɪŋ

1

adj

Meaning 1

That makes or uses a pun.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The spoonerism "Burly Chassis" is a punning reference to Shirley Bassey's voluptuous figure.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The action of the verb to pun.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

present participle and gerund of pun

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: form-of, gerund, participle, present

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

a humorous play on words

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I do it for the pun of it
  • his constant punning irritated her

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: pun, wordplay, paronomasia

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: fun, play, sport

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.