jocular

[ jok-yuh-ler ]

adjective

1. given to, characterized by, intended for, or suited to joking or jesting; waggish; facetious:

   jocular remarks about opera stars.

jocular

/ ˌdʒɒkjʊˈlærɪtɪ; ˈdʒɒkjʊlə /

adjective

1. characterized by joking and good humour
2. meant lightly or humorously; facetious

Derived Forms

• jocularity, noun
• ˈjocularly, adverb

Other Words From

• jocu·lar·ly adverb
• over·jocu·lar adjective
• over·jocu·lar·ly adverb
• semi·jocu·lar adjective
• semi·jocu·lar·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of jocular¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin joculāris, equivalent to jocul(us) “little joke” ( joc(us) joke + -ulus -ule ) + -āris -ar ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of jocular¹

C17: from Latin joculāris, from joculus little joke

Synonym Study

See jovial.

Example Sentences

But his jocular manner put many of them at ease, he said.

From BBC

That jocular sympathy expressed by patients is illustrative: The digital rectal exam just plain makes men nervous.

From Slate

He had the jocular demeanor of a college tour guide, an energy I hadn’t expected.

From Slate

McDougal was eventually paid $150,000 and promised other perks, a deal hashed out in sometimes jocular terms.

From Seattle Times

One afternoon during the group’s early days, Eddie Midnight, the jocular brother of a friend, shouted out to White, calling him by the nickname he hated: “Hey, Skins! You got a minute? I found something good for ya.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• cheerful
• humorous
• joking
• jolly
• jovial
• lighthearted
• playful
• teasing