hilarious

adjective

hi·​lar·​i·​ous hi-ˈler-ē-əs How to pronounce hilarious (audio)
hī-
: marked by or causing hilarity : extremely funny
hilariously adverb
hilariousness noun

Examples of hilarious in a Sentence

Raymond is different, so well written and acted, so perfectly pitched, that even the silences, especially the silences, are hilarious. It makes comedy look easy. James Morris, Wilson Quarterly, Autumn 2005
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Tim Burton's adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved (by children) and reviled (by critics and librarians) book, is quirky, well acted, often hilarious, and visually sumptuous, but don't go to it expecting sweetness in anything except the title. Richard Alleva, Commonweal, 12 Aug. 2005
In fairness, McEnroe does have genuine passion for the game, and his willingness to take on the sport's sacred cows is admirable. His candor and hilarious random ruminations as an analyst make even the most lopsided matches worth watching. Jon Wertheim, Sports Illustrated, 17 Sept. 2001
Since his material is genuinely funny, at times hilarious, it makes for a smashing use of audio as a unique entertainment medium. Sedaris has an unexpectedly high-pitched voice that comes across as majorly mischievous in its delivery … Publishers Weekly, 5 May 1997
Some people don't like his comedy, but I think he's hilarious. She gave us a hilarious account of her first days as a teacher.
Recent Examples on the Web As her family intervene, setting her up on a series of increasingly desperate blind dates, Pia begins a hilarious but heartfelt quest for real love. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024 Heather, 36, compiled a series of behind-the-scenes clips of the two working on a home and shared them in a hilarious Instagram Reel on Thursday. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024 Yet the film, unintentionally hilarious and consistently entertaining, built a loyal following over the years through home video releases and midnight screenings. Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2024 However, a disagreement over a long-standing fence line spirals into a hilarious war of taste, class, privilege and entitlement. Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 21 Mar. 2024 Some of that though, may go over the head of a kindergartner who may not be able to differentiate between the hilarious comedic timing of the actors and the sinister intentions of an on-screen demonic ghoul. Kristina Behr, Parents, 21 Mar. 2024 The couple — who famously once engaged in an on-air, sensual foot massage and staged a sweaty wrestling match with Consuelos in a tight singlet — returned to their unofficial post as morning TV's horniest duo with a hilarious innuendo at the top of Wednesday's show. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2024 Check out Lenny Kravitz’s steamy new Instagram post — and Channing Tatum’s hilarious response — below. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 18 Mar. 2024 Hemsworth shared a hilarious Instagram video of himself practicing his 2024 Oscars presenter speech with his wife from the back seat of a moving car. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hilarious.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

irregular from Latin hilarus, hilaris cheerful, from Greek hilaros

First Known Use

circa 1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hilarious was circa 1840

Dictionary Entries Near hilarious

Cite this Entry

“Hilarious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hilarious. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hilarious

adjective
hi·​lar·​i·​ous hil-ˈar-ē-əs How to pronounce hilarious (audio)
-ˈer-;
hī-ˈlar-,
-ˈler-
: causing hilarity : wildly funny
hilariously adverb
hilariousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hilarious

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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