jeu d'esprit

noun

jeu d'es·prit zhœ-de-ˈsprē

plural jeux d'esprit zhœ-de-ˈsprē

: a witty comment or composition

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, play of the mind

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of jeu d'esprit was in 1712

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Jeu d'esprit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/jeu%20d%27esprit. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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