American English

How to pronounce humor

noun · verbB1Common word
HYOOmer

/ˈhju.mɚ/

2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

The quality in something that makes people laugh or smile.

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

noun

The quality in something that makes people laugh or smile.

The movie has a lot of humor.

She finds humor in everyday problems.

Common phrases & grammar

dry humor · dark humor · physical humor · self-deprecating humor

find humor in [something]

add humor to [something]

noun

The ability to recognize and enjoy things that are funny.

My new colleague has a great sense of humor.

You need a sense of humor to enjoy this show.

Common phrases & grammar

sense of humor · good sense of humor · great sense of humor

[someone] has a sense of humor

[someone] sees the humor in [something]

nounless common

A person's mood, especially whether they are cheerful or angry.

He was in good humor after the meeting.

The good news put her in a better humor.

Common phrases & grammar

in good humor · in bad humor

be in good humor

put [someone] in good humor

verb

To do what someone wants for a while, even when you do not really agree, to avoid an argument.

Humor me and try it once.

I humored him by listening to his plan.

Good to know

“Humor me” does not mean “make me laugh.” It means “go along with me for now.”

Common phrases & grammar

humor me · humor someone · humor a child

humor [someone] for a moment

humor [someone] by [verb]-ing

Useful expressions

sense of humor

The ability to enjoy and understand what is funny.

She has a wonderful sense of humor.

in good humor

Cheerful and friendly, even in a difficult situation.

He stayed in good humor during the long delay.

humor me

Used to ask someone to do something even if it seems unnecessary.

Humor me and check the door again.

Related words & forms