droll
Americanadjective
noun
verb (used without object)
adjective
Related Words
See amusing.
Other Word Forms
- drollness noun
- drolly adverb
Etymology
Origin of droll
First recorded in 1615–25; from Middle French drolle “pleasant rascal,” perhaps from Middle Dutch drol “elf, goblin, fat little man,” ultimately from Old Norse; troll 2 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A droll moment of introspection is offered when Gordon disfigures his face with tape.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026
Mr. Dyer’s droll narration might spark readers’ own distant recollections.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025
Across more than three decades, Posey has established a whimsical, improvisational skill and droll candor unlike any other.
From Salon • Jun. 9, 2025
Pugh, with her droll line readings and smudgy blue eyeliner, plays apathy better than anyone; she’s compelling even with all the passion drained from her body.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2025
His jokes of grumkins and snarks no longer seemed quite so droll.
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
