punch line

American  

noun

punch lines plural

1. the climactic phrase or sentence in a joke, speech, advertisement, or humorous story that produces the desired effect.

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punch line British  

noun

1. the culminating part of a joke, funny story, etc, that gives it its humorous or dramatic point

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• punch lines
  plural

Etymology

Origin of punch line

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

punch line

She comes up with a superior punch line, one worth delivering to an audience.

From Salon ● May 29, 2026

Despite the anguish — often told as a punch line — the winner of the competition offered a glimmer of hope to the nearly 90 attendees live-voting throughout the show via an app.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 9, 2026

Her response to questions about the DOJ’s failure to prosecute Epstein’s accomplices with the statement “the Dow is over $50,000 right now” became an immediate punch line.

From Slate ● Apr. 2, 2026

Chinese culture may be of genuine interest to many users, but online, it’s destined to become an exotic punch line.

From Slate ● Mar. 13, 2026

Simon glances back and forth between us like he’s waiting for the punch line.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli