I. ˈfən verb
( funned ; funned ; funning ; funs )
Etymology: perhaps alteration of Middle English fonnen to fool, make a fool of, from fonne fool, dupe
transitive verb
now dialect : hoax , tease , trick , kid
intransitive verb
[from fun (II) ]
: to indulge in banter or play : speak or act in fun : joke , fool
funning about the marriage
passed the time funning till others tired of his horseplay
II. noun
( -s )
1. obsolete : a practical joke : trick , hoax
2. : what provides amusement or enjoyment
a book that is fun to read
a fellow who is fun to have around
: enjoyable activity
the game was no fun
picnics are great fun
didn't know hard study could be so much fun
sitting on the ground was part of the fun
specifically : playful often boisterous action or speech : jocularity : ridicule
made myself a fine figure of fun for someone outside — Arthur Grimble
3. : the disposition or mood to find or make a cause for amusement : playfulness
a carefree man who was always full of fun
has a lot of fun in him
don't say that even in fun
4. : amusement , enjoyment
play cards for fun
have fun at the party
the baby had a lot of fun with the blocks
robbed him just for the fun of it
never got any fun out of listening to serious music
5. : violent or excited activity or argument : fireworks
a rabbit stampeded the herd and then the fun began
just toss in the South as a conversation piece and watch the fun — James Street
Synonyms:
fun , jest , sport , game , and play agree in designating what provides diversion or amusement or is intended to arouse laughter. fun implies amusement or an engagement in what interests as an end in itself or applies to what provides this amusement or interest, often also implying a propensity for laughing or for finding a usually genial cause for laughter or amusement
had such a zest for everything and thought it all such fun — O.E.Rölvaag
make living more fun, life more complete — Printers' Ink
a man full of fun
jest occurs in phrases (as in jest ) or applies to activity or utterance not to be taken seriously, sometimes carrying an implication of ridicule or hoaxing
a man given to making his most significant remarks in jest
make jest of very serious problems
sport , often interchangeable with fun
there is a good deal of sport in many serious activities
or jest
play a trick on a friend for the sport of it
or game , although here usually generic or applying to activity calling for a certain skill
go at sport as if it were a way of life
the sport of fly casting
the sport of tennis
can also imply amusement or provoking of laughter by putting someone or something up to gentle or malicious ridicule
make sport of a suggestion
make a good deal of sport out of someone else's misfortune
game in a now rare earlier sense of fun implies a certain ridicule
make game of an unfortunate rival
More commonly today it applies to any activity engaged in for fun
a game of tennis
games to keep children amused
play , a generic term for all games or amusements, stresses in all senses an opposition to earnest, carrying no suggestion of anything but an intent to divert or be diverted
play time in a nursery
made his work play by enjoying it thoroughly
pretend to spank a child in play
III. adjective
Etymology: fun (II)
1. : providing fun, entertainment, or amusement
a fun party
fun hat
2. : full of fun : pleasant
a fun night
have a fun time
IV. noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of whin
Scotland : furze
V. ˈfün, -üŋ noun
( plural fun )
Etymology: Japanese
: a Japanese unit of weight equal to 1/10 momme, .375 grams, or 5.79 grains