First Known Use: circa 1548
Dictionary
jest
noun \ˈjest\
: something said or done to cause laughter
Full Definition of JEST
1
: an utterance (as a jeer or quip) intended to be taken as mockery or humor
2
a : prank b : a ludicrous circumstance or incident
3
a : a frivolous mood or manner <spoken in jest> b : gaiety and merriment
See jest defined for English-language learners
See jest defined for kids
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Origin of JEST
Middle English geste idle tale, story in verse, from Anglo-French, deed, action, narrative, from Latin gesta deeds, from neuter plural of gestus, past participle of gerere to bear, wage
Synonym Discussion of JEST
fun, jest, sport, game, play mean action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter. fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose <played cards just for fun>. jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing <hurt by remarks said only in jest>. sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone <teasing begun in sport led to anger>. game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun <made game of their poor relations>. play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief <pretended to strangle his brother in play>.
JEST Defined for Kids
1jest
noun \ˈjest\
Definition of JEST for Kids
1
: a comic act or remark : joke
2
: a playful mood or manner <He spoke of his adventure in jest.>
2jest
verb
jest·edjest·ing
Definition of JEST for Kids
: to make comic remarks : joke
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