This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
punch line
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
the climactic phrase or sentence in a joke, speech, advertisement, or humorous story that produces the desired effect.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of punch line
An Americanism dating back to 1920–25
Words nearby punch line
punched tape, puncheon, punch in, Punchinello, punching bag, punch line, punch list, punch-out, punch press, punch spoon, punch-up
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use punch line in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for punch line
punch line
noun
the culminating part of a joke, funny story, etc, that gives it its humorous or dramatic point
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012