Definition of JEST

jest

Plural: jests

Noun

  • a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
    • "he laughed unpleasantly at his own jest"
  • activity characterized by good humor
  • An act performed for amusement; a joke.
  • Someone or something that is ridiculed; the target of a joke.
  • A deed; an action; a gest.
  • A mask; a pageant; an interlude.

Verb

Verb Forms: jested, jesting, jests

  • To speak or act in a humorous way; to joke.
  • tell a joke; speak humorously
  • act in a funny or teasing way
  • To tell a joke; to talk in a playful manner; to make fun of something or someone.

Adv

  • Alternative spelling of just.

Examples

  • He tried to JEST about his bad luck with tiles, but his opponent wasn’t amused.
  • I made that comment in jest; it wasn't serious.
  • Surely you jest!
  • Your majesty, stop him before he makes you the jest of the court.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English geste (“idle tale”), from Old French geste (“acts, exploits”), from Latin gesta (“acts, deeds”). Doublet of gest.

Scrabble Score: 11

jest: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
jest: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
jest: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 13

jest: valid Words With Friends Word