hilarity

noun

hi·​lar·​i·​ty hi-ˈler-ə-tē How to pronounce hilarity (audio)
hī-
Synonyms of hilaritynext
: boisterous merriment or laughter

Synonyms

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Examples of hilarity in a Sentence

My attempt to carve the turkey was a source of great hilarity at the dinner table. hilarity is the last thing you expect to find at a funeral, but we were there to celebrate his life rather than to dwell on his death
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.
When their daughter’s fiancé brings his strait-laced, wealthy parents over for dinner, hilarity ensues as two very different worlds collide. — Encinitas Advocate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025 But throughout each test from God on high, hilarity reigns supreme. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Mar. 2025 The movie strikes a beautiful balance of hilarity and slice-of-life reality that hasn’t aged a day since its release. — Travis Bean, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Complications arise, hilarity ensues, but by the end of it, as in many good romances, Kat and Patrick actually fall for each other. — Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hilarity

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hilarity was in the 15th century

Rhymes for hilarity

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hilarity
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Cite this Entry

“Hilarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hilarity. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

hilarity

noun
hi·​lar·​i·​ty hil-ˈar-ət-ē How to pronounce hilarity (audio)
-ˈer-;
hī-ˈlar-,
-ˈler-
: noisy fun

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Nglish: Translation of hilarity for Spanish Speakers

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