joker

[joh-ker]

noun

1. a person who jokes.

2. one of two extra playing cards in a pack, usually imprinted with the figure of a jester, used in some games as the highest card or as a wild card.

3. U.S. Politics.,  a clause or expression inserted in a legislative bill with the unavowed object of defeating the ostensible purpose of the bill if passed.

4. a seemingly minor, unsuspected clause or wording that is put into an agreement, legal document, etc., to change its effect.

5. an unexpected or final fact, factor, or condition that changes or reverses a situation or result completely.

   He gave her a beautiful diamond engagement ring, but the joker was that it was stolen!

6. any method, trick, or expedient for getting the better of another.

   They pulled a joker on us to get better seats.

7. Informal.,  a man; fellow; chap.

   That joker is earning twice as much as I am.

8. a person who thinks they are very funny; prankster.

   Who's the joker who frosted the cake with shaving cream?

9. Informal.,  a wise guy; wiseacre; smart aleck.

   Tell that joker to stop using my parking space.

joker

/ ˈdʒəʊkə /

noun

1. a person who jokes, esp in an obnoxious manner

2. slang,  a person

   who does that joker think he is?

3. an extra playing card in a pack, which in many card games can substitute for or rank above any other card

4. a clause or phrase inserted in a legislative bill in order to make the bill inoperative or to alter its apparent effect

Word History and Origins

Origin of joker¹

First recorded in 1720–30; joke + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The 28-year-old, who is one of the jokers of the squad, is also an experienced Sevens player and represented Team GB at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.

From BBC

Each “Housewives” series is a rickety house of cards, just waiting for a dramatic gust of wind to implode its structure so it can be rebuilt with the queens and jokers in a different place.

From Salon

Now, anything that gets posted about “Running Point,” there’s always some sort of Baby joker comment.

From Los Angeles Times

The jokers were described as "stupid, irresponsible clots".

From BBC

Card game Balatro encourages players to build poker hands but allows them to modify decks and use special joker cards to boost their scores.

From BBC