a joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words which sound alike but have different meanings

the Railway Society reception was an informal party of people of all stations (excuse the pun) in life

make a joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word

his first puzzle punned on composers, with answers like ‘Handel with care’ and ‘Haydn go seek’

consolidate (earth or rubble) by pounding it