Joker: meaning, definitions and examples

🃏
Add to dictionary

joker

 

[ ˈdʒoʊ.kər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

fictional character

A joker is a person who is fond of joking or jesting; a wit or wag. They are known for their sense of humor and ability to make others laugh.

Synonyms

jester, prankster, wag, wit

Examples of usage

  • He is always the joker in the group, constantly cracking jokes and making everyone laugh.
  • Don't take him seriously, he's just a joker trying to lighten the mood.
Context #2 | Noun

playing card

In a deck of cards, the joker is a card added to the pack as a wild card, with no fixed rank or suit. It is often used in various card games as a special card with unique abilities.

Synonyms

extra card, trump card, wild card

Examples of usage

  • The joker can be used as any card you want in this game.
  • If you draw the joker, you get a special bonus in this round.

Translations

Translations of the word "joker" in other languages:

🇵🇹 piadista

🇮🇳 मज़ाकिया (mazakiya)

🇩🇪 Witzbold

🇮🇩 pelawak

🇺🇦 жартівник

🇵🇱 żartowniś

🇯🇵 ジョーカー (jokā)

🇫🇷 farceur

🇪🇸 bromista

🇹🇷 şakacı

🇰🇷 농담꾼 (nongdamkkun)

🇸🇦 مهرج (muharij)

🇨🇿 šprýmař

🇸🇰 vtipkár

🇨🇳 小丑 (xiǎochǒu)

🇸🇮 šaljivec

🇮🇸 brandarakarl

🇰🇿 әзілқой (äzilqoy)

🇬🇪 ჯამბაზი (jambazi)

🇦🇿 zarafatçı

🇲🇽 bromista

Etymology

The term 'joker' originated in the 17th century, derived from the Middle English word 'jogelour' meaning 'jester'. It was used to describe a person who entertained others with jokes, tricks, and jests. Over time, the term evolved to also refer to the special playing card in a deck. The concept of the joker as a character in fiction, particularly in comic books and movies, became popular in the 20th century.

See also: jocular, joke, joking, jokingly.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,674, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.