humorist

[ hyoo-mer-istor, often, yoo- ]

noun

1. a person who is skillful in the use of humor, as in writing, talking, or acting.
2. a person with an active sense of humor.

humorist

/ ˈhjuːmərɪst /

noun

1. a person who acts, speaks, or writes in a humorous way

Derived Forms

• ˌhumorˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• humor·istic humor·isti·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of humorist¹

First recorded in 1580–1590; from French humoriste “capricious person,” equivalent to humour (from English ) + -iste noun suffix; humor ( def ), -ist; compare Italian (h)umorista “capricious, subject to humors”

Example Sentences

New York icons like actor Robert De Niro and author and humorist Fran Lebowitz know precisely who he is and are disgusted by what they see — and don’t consider him a real New Yorker.

From Salon

The actor and humorist Nick Offerman will appear on Thursday’s “Daily Show.”

From New York Times

Mr. Hart, 44, is the 25th comic to receive the prize from the Kennedy Center, an honor given annually to the greatest humorists in American comedy.

From New York Times

Andrew Boyd, a humorist and one of the activists behind the Climate Clock in Union Square, believes that laughter can help those who feel despair over global warming.

From New York Times

In a recent essay at the New York Times, author and humorist David Kamp engaged in some critical self-reflection about the wisdom of making fun of Donald Trump in a time of such peril.

From Salon

Related Words

• entertainer
• satirist