punch line

Meaning

1. The final part of a joke; the word, sentence, or exchange of sentences that is intended to be funny and provokes laughter from the listeners.
2. (broadly) The butt of a joke; laughing stock.
3. (broadly) A final, concluding statement that an explanation has been leading up to; a conclusion.

Synonyms

gag line

tag line

laugh line

drop

fall

feel

impression

cadence

waterfall

falling out

most impressive passage

touch

collapse

downfall

Translations

chute

clou

Pointe

Abfallen

Fall

Herunterfallen

Berührung

Sturz

Regenfall

Anrührung

Absturz

conclusion

condamnation

pointe

gag

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈpʌntʃˌlaɪn/

Etymology

1910s, probably American. It was probably meant to be likened to a quick, sharp punch.