humour

American  

[hyoo-mer] / ˈhyu mər /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. humor.

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humour British  

/ ˈhjuːmə /

noun

1. the quality of being funny

2. Also called: sense of humour.  the ability to appreciate or express that which is humorous

3. situations, speech, or writings that are thought to be humorous

4. 1. a state of mind; temper; mood

   2. ( in combination )

      ill humour

      good humour

5. temperament or disposition

6. a caprice or whim

7. any of various fluids in the body, esp the aqueous humour and vitreous humour

8. Also called: cardinal humour.  archaic any of the four bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, choler or yellow bile, melancholy or black bile) formerly thought to determine emotional and physical disposition

9. in a bad mood

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verb

1. to attempt to gratify; indulge

   he humoured the boy's whims

2. to adapt oneself to

   to humour someone's fantasies

Spelling

See -or ¹.

Other Word Forms

• humourful
  adjective
• humourless
  adjective
• humourlessness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of humour

C14: from Latin humor liquid; related to Latin ūmēre to be wet, Old Norse vökr moist, Greek hugros wet

Example Sentences

While the developers are keeping details under wraps, they confirm humour remains part of Bond's arsenal.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

He had a wonderful self-deprecating humour but when game-day came he was like a man possessed.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

It has created a series of hand-drawn illustrations of the penguin "to bring warmth, humour and personality to everything from our social media presence to brand campaigns and social impact work".

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Despite the darker themes running through the play, both Pickett and Robbie say humour remains central to the story.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

I thought it well to humour him: so he is back in his room with the window open.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker