punch line

American  

noun

punch lines plural

1. the climactic phrase or sentence in a joke, speech, advertisement, or humorous story that produces the desired effect.

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punch line British  

noun

1. the culminating part of a joke, funny story, etc, that gives it its humorous or dramatic point

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• punch lines
  plural

Etymology

Origin of punch line

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

punch line

Bill Plaschke writes that in the 23 years since Arte Moreno bought the World Series championship team, the Angels have become a punch line.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 3, 2026

She comes up with a superior punch line, one worth delivering to an audience.

From Salon ● May 29, 2026

Her response to questions about the DOJ’s failure to prosecute Epstein’s accomplices with the statement “the Dow is over $50,000 right now” became an immediate punch line.

From Slate ● Apr. 2, 2026

I’m a Jersey-born Muslim, same as Youssef, and I was wedged in Row N next to an auntie who looked primed to eye-roll any haram punch line.

From Slate ● Jun. 30, 2025

“Meet you at the corner!” came the punch line, at top volume.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger