yuk
1 Americannoun
-
a loud, hearty laugh.
-
a joke evoking such a laugh.
verb (used with or without object)
interjection
Etymology
Origin of yuk1
First recorded in 1935–40; imitative
Origin of yuk2
First recorded in 1950–55; imitative
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
That 1368 yuk difference might not seem like much, especially when you see who else made Leno’s Top 10.
From Salon ● Jul. 31, 2025
In Korean, the number six is pronounced yuk, which is another word for meat.
From New York Times ● Jun. 22, 2023
He kept trying to yuk it up with the jury — I believe he even cracked a “my wife” joke — which would fly in a scripted series but not in a court of law.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 23, 2022
This was apparent in the locker room after Seahawks games, when he and Lynch would yuk it up while the rest of the media steered clear of the notoriously reticent running back.
From Seattle Times ● May 13, 2021
He especially liked the chow yuk, because vegetables were his favorite.
From "The Cricket in Times Square" by George Selden
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No joke: David Letterman yukked it up on late-night TV longer than anyone else.
From Washington Times ● Oct. 22, 2017
Ronald Reagan may have enjoyed bedtime with Bonzo, and Tarzan yukked it up with Cheetah, but small children will always love Curious George.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 6, 2016
And Donald J. Trump yukked it up late Tuesday night with Stephen Colbert on the “Late Show.”
From New York Times ● Sep. 23, 2015
Huntsman yukked it up on "Saturday Night Live" last month, making fun of his low poll numbers and his fixation on New Hampshire.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 10, 2011
Huntsman yukked it up on “Saturday Night Live” last month, making fun of his low poll numbers and his fixation on New Hampshire.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 10, 2011
Determined to prove to America that it wasn’t past his bedtime, the president lingered in the Capitol, yukking it up with members and dignitaries until after the lights in the House chamber were turned off.
From Slate ● Mar. 9, 2024
Open semifinal, just as he did throughout this magical run at Flushing Meadows, smiling and thriving, yukking it up with the fans, with his opponent, even with his opponent’s coach.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 9, 2022
They inherently find something funny in what they're doing, that's not necessarily about telling a joke or yukking it up or trying even for a laugh.
From Salon ● Apr. 19, 2022
Legislators, too, were accused of yukking it up at a grave moment.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 19, 2019
On the screen, W C. Fields and Baby LeRoy were yukking it up.
From Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.