droll

[ drohl ]

adjective

, droll·er, droll·est.

1. amusing in an odd way; whimsically humorous; waggish.

   Synonyms: witty, odd, diverting

   Antonyms: serious

noun

1. a droll person; jester; wag.

   Synonyms: clown

verb (used without object)

1. Archaic. to jest; joke.

   Synonyms: clown

droll

/ drəʊl /

adjective

1. amusing in a quaint or odd manner; comical

Derived Forms

• ˈdrolly, adverb
• ˈdrollness, noun

Other Words From

• drollness noun
• drolly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of droll¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Middle French drolle “pleasant rascal,” perhaps from Middle Dutch drol “elf, goblin, fat little man,” ultimately from Old Norse; troll ²( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of droll¹

C17: from French drôle scamp, from Middle Dutch: imp

Synonym Study

See amusing.

Example Sentences

The droll side of his personality came out again shortly after he had finished speaking to the media.

From BBC

The Associated Press retracted a fact-checking article about droll internet rumors that Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, former President Donald Trump's running mate, had sex with a couch during his college days.

From Salon

Previously known for: The U.K. version of “The Office,” as Ricky Gervais’ droll underling Tim and “The Hobbit” trilogy in the role of heroic Bilbo Baggins.

From Los Angeles Times

He also had a droll side, as revealed in this song reconstituted from demos he recorded in 1993; a latter-day band, including Marty Stuart on guitar, now fills out the original tracks.

From New York Times

In “Well Alright,” previewing “Songwriter,” an album due June 28, Cash is deadpan and droll, singing about a liaison that starts at a laundromat.

From New York Times

Related Words

• eccentric
• entertaining
• funny
• humorous
• whimsical