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
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.
The spinoff of Rosanne has lasted seven seasons and dealt with a range of issues, from the hilarious to the humbling. Devonne Goode, Parents, 24 Apr. 2025 The first three episodes of Andor Season 2 are dark, oddly hilarious at times, and a bit all over the place. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 This collection of Ephron’s most hilarious essays was included (at No. 100) on The Guardian’s list of the 100 best books of the 21st century in 2019. The Know, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2025 People are sending me these really hilarious speeches that a lot of teenagers are giving right before the movie. Elizabeth Stanton, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hilarious

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hilarious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hilarious. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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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