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

Weeks, at one point, covered his face with his hands, drawing laughter from the courtroom. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026

But the battles eventually move the audience from laughter to tears. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 26 June 2026

Brooks also relished his role as a class clown, terrorizing his teachers and leaving his friends gasping with laughter. — Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

If philosophy begins in wonder, trenchant social drama seems to start in laughter. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 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