jest

About 1.81 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun An act performed for amusement; a joke.

   I made that comment in jest; it wasn't serious.

2. noun Someone or something that is ridiculed; the target of a joke.

   Your majesty, stop him before he makes you the jest of the court.

3. noun A deed; an action; a gest.
4. noun A mask; a pageant; an interlude.
5. verb To tell a joke; to talk in a playful manner; to make fun of something or someone.

   Surely you jest!

6. adverb Pronunciation spelling of just.

Similar words

jape joke jocularity laugh gag wheeze yak quip prank kidding

Often followed by

of and as to or with at about in

Word family

jested jesting jests surely you jest