humour

[hyoo-mer]

noun

Chiefly British.

1. humor.

humour

/ ˈhjuːmə /

noun

1. the quality of being funny

2. Also called: sense of humour. the ability to appreciate or express that which is humorous

3. situations, speech, or writings that are thought to be humorous

4. 1. a state of mind; temper; mood

   2. ( in combination )

      ill humour

      good humour

5. temperament or disposition

6. a caprice or whim

7. any of various fluids in the body, esp the aqueous humour and vitreous humour

8. Also called: cardinal humour. archaic,  any of the four bodily fluids (blood, phlegm, choler or yellow bile, melancholy or black bile) formerly thought to determine emotional and physical disposition

9. in a bad mood

verb

1. to attempt to gratify; indulge

   he humoured the boy's whims

2. to adapt oneself to

   to humour someone's fantasies

Spelling Note

See -or ¹.

Other Word Forms

• humourless adjective
• humourful adjective
• humourlessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of humour¹

C14: from Latin humor liquid; related to Latin ūmēre to be wet, Old Norse vökr moist, Greek hugros wet

Example Sentences

Judges said his work had "a deceptive simplicity" and was a "brave risk-taking painting" with "nuanced humour".

From BBC

Metal Gear tackled themes not commonly seen in games, such as nuclear disarmament and child soldiers, and posed philosophical questions while also leveraging offbeat humour.

From BBC

When interviewed, he told police that he had an interest in history and a "black sense of humour".

From BBC

"He battled with osteosarcoma for three years, fighting each piece of bad news time after time with humour and amazing spirit."

From BBC

My sisters are very, very funny - they have got a good sense of humour.

From BBC