funny bone

American  

noun

1. the part of the elbow where the ulnar nerve passes by the internal condyle of the humerus, which when struck causes a peculiar, tingling sensation in the arm and hand; crazy bone.

2. a sense of humor.

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funny bone British  

noun

1. Also called (US): crazy bone.  the area near the elbow where the ulnar nerve is close to the surface of the skin: when it is struck, a sharp tingling sensation is experienced along the forearm and hand

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funny bone Idioms  

1. A point on the elbow where the ulnar nerve runs close to the surface and produces a sharp tingling sensation when knocked against the bone. For example, Ouch! I just banged my funny bone . The expression is a pun on humerus (pronounced the same as humorous ), the Latin name for the long bone of the arm. [Early 1800s]

2. A sense of humor, as in That comedian really tickles my funny bone . This expression is derived from def. 1.

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Etymology

Origin of funny bone

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose or red eyes, as well as a rash.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

Common symptoms of measles include cough, runny nose, pink eye and rash.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026

Fever, aching limbs and a runny nose -- as winter returns, so too does the flu.

From Science Daily • Dec. 4, 2025

These children often have a cold or runny nose and a cough that worsens at night or early morning, recurring every few weeks.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2025

It was rumored that she had had no childhood diseases, was never known to have chicken pox, croup or even a runny nose.

From "Sula" by Toni Morrison