joker

American  

[joh-ker] / ˈdʒoʊ kər /

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.

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joker British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of joker

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

Explanation

A joker is someone who loves jokes, and tells them all the time. Jokers are usually harmless, unless you meet up with Batman's archenemy, "The Joker." He's no joke. A joke-teller or practical joke-player is one kind of joker, but you can also use this word when you're annoyed with someone who's acting ridiculous or foolish: "That joker in the convertible just ran a red light!" Card players might be more familiar with the jokers you find in a full deck, the extra cards that are either used as wild cards or removed when you play a game.

Example Sentences

Mr. Keoghan, lately seen—barely—as the Joker in “The Batman,” specializes in unhinged characters, but the act isn’t especially convincing this time around.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Finding a suit and cowl made just for him, Damian transforms into Little Batman in order to safeguard Wayne Manor and Gotham City from villains, including a rather mischievous Joker.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2025

Classic baddies from Cruella de Vil to the Joker have gotten movies that explore their origin stories and explain their damaged psyches.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 9, 2025

He’s also started a few different clothing brands with friends over the years, including Joker, one of the first West Coast streetwear brands, which just celebrated its 30-year anniversary.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025

I had the Joker on the passenger seat.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak