raillery

[ rey-luh-ree ]

noun

, plural rail·ler·ies.

1. good-humored ridicule; banter.

   Synonyms: pleasantry, chaff, badinage

2. a bantering remark.

raillery

/ ˈreɪlərɪ /

noun

1. light-hearted satire or ridicule; banter
2. an example of this, esp a bantering remark

Word History and Origins

Origin of raillery¹

1645–55; < French raillerie, equivalent to Middle French raill ( er ) to rail ² + -erie -ery

Word History and Origins

Origin of raillery¹

C17: from French, from railler to tease, banter; see rail ²

Example Sentences

But singular cases may exist wherein raillery is inapplicable, and of which it is not for us to judge.

From Project Gutenberg

Its impertinence and folly might well have provoked the raillery of the most inoffensive.

From Project Gutenberg

Liszt calls Chopin "a fine connoisseur in raillery and an ingenious mocker."

From Project Gutenberg

Is it possible that there should be a more perfect style, or a finer, more delicate or more natural raillery?

From Project Gutenberg

Among sayings in the English language attributed to the notes of the meadowlark are some expressions of banter and raillery.

From Project Gutenberg