jest
a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
How often you will meet it
Rank 2,428 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 7,071 times across 155,139 chapters — 0.003% of every word in the library.
What it means
noun
- a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter also: joke, gag, laugh, jape he told a very funny jokehe knows a million gags
- activity characterized by good humor also: joke, jocularity
verb
- tell a joke; speak humorously also: joke He often jokes even when he appears serious
- act in a funny or teasing way also: joke
jest in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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He was full of joke and jest, But all his merry quips are o’er.
Poems Every Child Should Know · Mary E. (Mary Elizabeth) [Editor] Burt · Chapter 1
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Jest upon you, And say you were begotten in an earthquake, You have ruin'd such fair lordships.
The White Devil · John Webster · Chapter 1
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John Jacks laughed heartily at his own expense, but his wife seemed to think the jest unmannerly.
The Crown of Life · George Gissing · Chapter 1
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Then some foul tongue would jest of her shame, and averted looks and cold greetings disheartened her.
Our Nig · Harriet E. Wilson · Chapter 1
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Jest fancy me slinging my 'ook For old Turmutshire, going out nuttin', or bobbing for fish in a brook!
Punch — Volume 99, August 16, 1890 · Various · Chapter 1