English · Word Candidate

pun

/pʌn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: puns · punning · punned

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To make or tell a pun; to make a play on words.

Verb

Examples

We punned about the topic until all around us groaned.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A joke or type of wordplay in which similar definitions or sounds of two words or phrases, or different definitions of the same word, are deliberately confused.

Noun

Examples

The pun is the lowest form of wit.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A certain number of cowries, generally 80.

Noun

Examples

Hackeries and carriages, loaded and empty, 8 annas. Sheep, goats, &c., 1 pun of cowries each.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “pun” mean?

To make or tell a pun; to make a play on words.

Is “pun” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.