Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

double-entendre

noun

/ˌdʌbl̩ ɒnˈtɒndrə/

Definition

A phrase or figure of speech that has a double meaning, often with one of the meanings being risqué or suggestive.

Examples

The comedian’s joke had a clever double-entendre that made the audience laugh.
In the film, many lines contained double entendres that added an extra layer of humor.
Shakespeare was known for his use of double entendres in his plays.

Meaning

Double entendre typically refers to a statement that can be understood in two ways: one of which is usually straightforward while the other is often more humorous or has a sexual implication.