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

Despite the anguish — often told as a punch line — the winner of the competition offered a glimmer of hope to the nearly 90 attendees live-voting throughout the show via an app.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 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

Still, the highs and lows of marriage aren’t merely a punch line in “Is This Thing On?” — and that’s good.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

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

You could always tell when Mr. Clifton was about to say the punch line, because he’d clear his throat and look like he was about to say something super serious.

From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff