punch line

noun

: the sentence, statement, or phrase (as in a joke) that makes the point

Examples of punch line in a Sentence

She didn't understand the punch line.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Now the state is no longer a punch line. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 11 May 2026 Chocolate brings it home with a punch line—a wry observation to end the story with a laugh. — Joseph Trinidad, Longreads, 16 June 2026 Why does almost every punch line feel overworked and underdeveloped? — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 23 May 2026 At the end of every day she was spent from the strain of asking people to repeat themselves and missing out on conversations and the punch lines of jokes. — ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for punch line

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of punch line was in 1916

Rhymes for punch line

See All Rhymes for punch line

Browse Nearby Words

punchless
punch line
punch list
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Punch line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punch%20line. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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