noun

jocularity

jahk-yuh-LAIR-uh-tee/ˌdʒɑːkjəˈlærəti/

Cheerfulness expressed through jokes and humor.

The woman's jocularity turns a banana into a pretend telephone and makes her companion laugh.

At a simple kitchen table, a cheerful woman holds a curved banana to her ear like a telephone, grinning at her companion, who laughs openly at the playful gag.

Etymology

joculLatinlittle joke

+arLatinrelating to

+ityLatinquality or state

The base is a Latin diminutive meaning a little joke. Through an adjective meaning funny or comic, it gives a noun for the quality expressed in cheerful joking.

In context

Storytime Haven85:50

He tries to make me happy by laughing at my jocularity; but jesters are not deceived.

The lavender dragon by Eden Phillpotts | Fantasy Full Audiobook

More examples

His usual jocularity disappears when the conversation turns serious.
The host greets us with warm jocularity and a playful remark.
Even during stressful shifts, the nurses find moments of jocularity.

Forms

jocularity

jocular adjective — Cheerful and fond of making jokes.

Similar words

joviality: Emphasizes friendly good spirits, not necessarily jokes or humor.
levity: Suggests lightness that can seem inappropriate in serious situations.
humor: Names the amusing quality rather than the cheerful mood.