laughter

noun

laugh·​ter ˈlaf-tər 

ˈläf-

1

: a sound of or as if of laughing

2

archaic : a cause of merriment

Synonyms of laughter

• chuckle
• giggle
• laugh
• snicker

Examples of laughter in a Sentence

The audience roared with laughter.

the nervous producers were reassured by the sounds of laughter coming from the theater

Recent Examples on the Web

Video greetings shared on Friday evening were led off by a royal short film starring King Charles III writing his 100th birthday letter to Attenborough, which got delivered with the help of various members of the animal kingdom, including a hedgehog that drew much laughter with his appearance. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026

Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with Short and director Lawrence Kasdan about grief and loss being met with laughter and joy. —David Morgan, CBS News, 8 May 2026

Lots of laughter and playing with joy, even in the hardest of moments, truly bolsters well-being! —Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 8 May 2026

There were sleepless nights of laughter and love-making. —Emily Bryn Williams, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hleahtor; akin to Old English hliehhan

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing laughter

• erupt in laughter
• fit of laughter
• howl with laughter
• laughter lines

Rhymes for laughter

• after
• drafter
• rafter
• hereafter
• thereafter
• hereinafter
• thereinafter

Kids Definition

laughter

noun

laugh·​ter ˈlaf-tər 

ˈlȧf-

: the action or sound of laughing