knock-knock joke
noun
plural knock-knock jokes
: a formulaic joke that begins with the words "Knock knock" in imitation of someone knocking on a door
Note: The standard pattern of a knock-knock joke calls for a response of "Who's there?", a cryptic reply identifying the knocker, a further response repeating the name of the knocker followed by "who?", and a final joking reply typically featuring a pun or play on words.
William Cole … is a perpetrator of, and authority on, the knock-knock joke. "Knock-knock jokes are basically puns, that's all, and you've got to have a feel for the ludicrous," he says. …. he considers the following to be his best creation: "Knock knock." Who's there? "Amaryllis." Amaryllis who? "Amaryllis state agent. Wanna buy a house?"—
Glenn Collins
Glenn CollinsBig Bird to audience: "You're having fun, right? Okay, let's do a knock-knock joke. Knock knock." Audience: "Who's there?" BB: "Ya." Audience: "Ya who?" BB: "See, I told you you were having fun." Groan if you like, but it's a hoot to a 4-year-old.—Steve Parks
Steve ParksExamples of knock-knock joke in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
People! Knock-Knock Jokes for Teens A classic knock-knock joke never disappoints.
—Fiona Tapp, Parents, 5 Nov. 2024
Prince William's knock-knock joke at his latest engagement came with a playful comment about comedian Jack Whitehall, continuing their yearslong banter!
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024
Here are 10 Valentine's Day knock-knock jokes with family-friendly appeal.
—Fiona Tapp, Parents, 24 Jan. 2024
Funny One-Liners for Kids Whoever invented knock-knock jokes deserves a no-bell prize.
—Kelly O'Sullivan, Country Living, 29 Aug. 2023
Unlike knock-knock jokes and other jokes for kids, whose purpose is primarily laughter, riddles are designed to get the mental cogs moving, which can help teach your kids to become deeper thinkers.
—Rebecca Norris, Country Living, 28 July 2023
The beach softball tournament is most noted for its first weekend ribald atmosphere, complete with team names not fit for a family newspaper and a Miss Emerson contest named after risqué knock-knock joke.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2023
Why are there not any knock-knock jokes about America?
—Kelly O'Sullivan, Country Living, 1 June 2023
Woodpecker riddles inspire great knock-knock jokes.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2023
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Fiona Tapp, Parents, 5 Nov. 2024
Prince William's knock-knock joke at his latest engagement came with a playful comment about comedian Jack Whitehall, continuing their yearslong banter!
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024
Here are 10 Valentine's Day knock-knock jokes with family-friendly appeal.
—Fiona Tapp, Parents, 24 Jan. 2024
Funny One-Liners for Kids Whoever invented knock-knock jokes deserves a no-bell prize.
—Kelly O'Sullivan, Country Living, 29 Aug. 2023
Unlike knock-knock jokes and other jokes for kids, whose purpose is primarily laughter, riddles are designed to get the mental cogs moving, which can help teach your kids to become deeper thinkers.
—Rebecca Norris, Country Living, 28 July 2023
The beach softball tournament is most noted for its first weekend ribald atmosphere, complete with team names not fit for a family newspaper and a Miss Emerson contest named after risqué knock-knock joke.
—Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2023
Why are there not any knock-knock jokes about America?
—Kelly O'Sullivan, Country Living, 1 June 2023
Woodpecker riddles inspire great knock-knock jokes.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2023
Dictionary Entries Near knock-knock joke
Cite this Entry
“Knock-knock joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knock-knock%20joke. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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