risibility

[ riz-uh-bil-i-tee ]

/ ˌrɪz əˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun, plural ris·i·bil·i·ties.

Often risibilities. the ability or disposition to laugh; humorous awareness of the ridiculous and absurd.

laughter.

Nearby words

Origin of risibility

From the Late Latin word rīsibilitās, dating back to 1610–20. See risible, -ity

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for risibility

Man is the only risible animal: risibility may be said, therefore, to be his distinguishing mark.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 64, No. 398, December 1848|Various
"What is the matter," inquired Gayfield, unconscious of being the cause of their risibility.
Real Life In London, Volumes I. and II.|Pierce Egan
Indeed, the Japanese have recourse to risibility whenever the frailties of human nature are put to severest test.
Bushido, the Soul of Japan|Inazo Nitob
Mr. Maguire did not respond to the young squire's risibility; the cast of his countenance was decidedly serious.
Humorous Ghost Stories|Dorothy Scarborough

Old Matthew's risibility was evidently much tickled by the sense of their thwarted purpose.
The Shadow of a Crime|Hall Caine

British Dictionary definitions for risibility

risibility

/ (ˌrɪzɪˈbɪlɪtɪ) /

noun plural -ties

a tendency to laugh

hilarity; laughter

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