punch line

noun3

1. •
   The final part of a joke; the word, sentence, or exchange of sentences that is intended to be funny and provokes laughter from the listeners.

   • That was quite a build-up for such a puny punch line.
2. •
   A final, concluding statement that an explanation has been leading up to; a conclusion.

   • The final, the Munich-based liberal newspaper writes, was a “fitting punchline” to a great tournament. — 2014
3. •
   The butt of a joke; laughing stock.

   • The women are a phenomenon; the men are a punchline. — 2019