Search Dictionary
Definition of jest

jest

/dʒɛst/
jest
Adverb:jestingly
•
Plural:jests
•
Adjective:jestful
•
Past Simple:jested
•
Past Participle:jested
•
Present Participle:jesting
JUMP TO:

jest Lexical Profile

jest Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A playful, humorous, or witty remark or action intended to amuse others; a joke.

Example

"Many a truth is spoken in jest during casual dinner conversations."

2

An object of derision, mockery, or ridicule; a laughingstock.

Example

"His extravagant outfit made him the standing jest of the entire court."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for jest

• verb

1

To speak or act in a playful, humorous, orfacetious manner rather than seriously.

Example

"Surely you jest if you think we can finish the entire renovation by tomorrow afternoon."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for jest

• Rhymes for jest

• Nearby Words

jerusalem
jerusalem artichoke
jesse
jest
jester
jestingly
jesuit

Word Origin & Etymology

Originally a variant of Middle English geste ('exploit' or 'heroic tale'), borrowed from Old French geste and ultimately from Latin gesta ('deeds' or 'actions'), the neuter plural past participle of gerere ('to carry on' or 'perform'); the meaning shifted from an entertaining story to a mocking remark and finally to a playful joke.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jest. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jest
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.