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What is the Difference Between a double entendre and a pun?
The words double entendre and pun are both about double meanings. Double entendre, in fact, originated in an obsolete expression in French, which means “double meaning.” The origins of pun are less certain, but it likely traces to the Italian word puntiglio meaning “fine point, quibble.” In English, double entendre refers to a double meaning in which one meaning is usually shocking or risqué in its sexual suggestiveness. Pun usually has more to do with silly or humorous double meanings than with anything sexually suggestive or lewd.
Examples of pun in a Sentence
Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026
From there, Shalit became famous for his puns and playful wordplay in film reviews.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026
However, the group discussed the category mainstay, Diane Warren, and her relentless pursuit (pun intended) of an Oscar.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Pun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pun. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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