humorist

American  

[hyoo-mer-ist, yoo-] / ˈhyu mər ɪst, ˈyu- /

noun

1. a person who is skillful in the use of humor, as in writing, talking, or acting.

2. a person with an active sense of humor.

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humorist British  

/ ˈhjuːmərɪst /

noun

1. a person who acts, speaks, or writes in a humorous way

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Other Word Forms

• humoristic adjective
• humoristical adjective

Etymology

Origin of humorist

First recorded in 1580–1590; from French humoriste “capricious person,” equivalent to humour (from English ) + -iste noun suffix; humor ( def. ), -ist; compare Italian (h)umorista “capricious, subject to humors”

Example Sentences

Judith Viorst, 94, author and humorist, tackles how to age well in her latest book, offering lessons from her own life and fellow oldsters on making meaning in later life, even as much slips away.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet he acquired a reputation as a dandy, a clever humorist and an intellectual showman, distinctly apolitical and seemingly a man of no convictions.

From Los Angeles Times

At 94, author and humorist Judith Viorst remains as feistily funny—and honest—as ever.

From The Wall Street Journal

American humorist Will Rogers once remarked that we are living in a time where people are taking the comedians seriously and the politicians are a joke.

From Salon

In the wake of Kimmel’s suspension it is hard to imagine any mass market humorist poking fun with abandon that biting satire demands.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• entertainer
• satirist