punch line

American  

noun

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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Etymology

Origin of punch line

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25

Example Sentences

They are often dismissed as a punch line, but Roxane Gay explains why women’s book clubs are the backbone of a passionate literary culture.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 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

Chinese culture may be of genuine interest to many users, but online, it’s destined to become an exotic punch line.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 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

Perhaps inadvertently, his message also reflected the transformation of geeks all over the world: They were suddenly the ones delivering the punch line.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz