Jest, sport (as opposed to earnest). Frequently as in game: see phrases 3a. Formerly also as a count noun: †a joke, a jest (obsolete).

A device to amuse; a merry or idle tale; a jest, joke, gibe. Obsolete generally before 1600 (not used by Spenser, Shakespeare, or their…

An idle tale, a jest, a joke; jesting, raillery, joking, merriment, fun; a merry tale.

Gaiety or lightness of mood or mind, esp. as manifested in laughter; merriment, hilarity. In early use also: †a jest (obsolete).

Scottish. A trick, a prank; a jest, a quip. Obsolete.

The metal plate or mounting of a scabbard or sheath; particularly that which covers the point. In some early quots. it may mean the scabbard or…

A jest.

A matter or incident providing entertainment, diversion, or amusement; a joke, a jest. Now archaic and rare.

A humorous remark, a joke. Cf. crack, n. 5. Obsolete. rare.

A smart stroke of wit, a joke, a jest; a gibe, jeer, scoff. Obsolete.

A saying intended to excite laughter; a witticism, joke.

A joke, a jest; something amusing. Also: a brief, comic, dramatic entertainment. Obsolete.

An entertaining or humorous device; a jest. Obsolete.

With plural agreement. Humorous sayings or writings; witticisms.

A fancy, joke, whim. Obsolete.

A humorous passage, act, or (esp.) comment; an amusing remark, a jest. Frequently in plural.

Facetiousness, wit; an instance of this.

A jesting or playful action. Obsolete. rare.

Something humorous or funny. A jest; a facetious story or tale.

the ‘cracking’ of a joke (cf. crack, v. 5), a brisk witticism.

= joke, n.

Pleasantry, good humour; (also) an instance of this, a humorous or pleasing trick. Obsolete (poetic in later use).

Something said or done to excite laughter or amusement; a witticism, a jest; jesting, raillery; also, something that causes amusement, a…

A merry act or saying; a pleasantry.

Mocking, jesting; a joke, a witticism.

As a count noun: a comical action, remark, etc.; a joke, a witticism.

Something which or (occasionally) someone who provokes convulsive fits of laughter; a very funny joke, story, etc. Cf. side-splitting, adj.

As a count noun: a funny saying, joke, etc.; a witticism. Somewhat rare.

Mockery, ridicule; (also) a joke, a prank; a witticism. Now rare and archaic.

with plural. A jocular act or remark, a joke.

figurative. Something that amuses; a funny story, remark, joke, etc. Cf. to tickle (a person's) ribs at rib, n.1 phrases 2(b).

A jocose saying or act; a piece of jesting.

A humorous or witty saying or remark.

Theatre. A joke; a humorous remark, situation, action, etc. Cf. gag, n.2, esp. quots. 1819 and 1880.

slang. Irish English. Enjoyment, amusement, fun.

A joke; a witty remark or story.

= main sense.

Chiefly U.S. The action or an act of ribbing (see rib, v.2 6b); a joke.

In the entertainment industry: a joke, punch-line, or piece of comic business, esp. one that elicits uproarious or unrestrained laughter. Hence: a…

An amusing person or thing; a joke; fun; no giggle: no joke (see joke, n. 3). colloquial.