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.

---

punch line British  

noun

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

---

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

But it has already become a punch line that could resurface if he runs for president.

From Slate ● Sep. 9, 2026

When I finished my studies, the mere existence of the discipline at a major American university was a punch line for everyone I knew.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

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

From Salon ● May 29, 2026

Now we’re in a comedy structure where it’s act out and mix up a set up, a punch line, etc.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2025

My dad finally broke the silence with an old family punch line.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick