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

Moments of mutual support and understanding, of belly-aching laughter and silliness, of care and deep love. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026

But there were scores of times that the specific verbiages were a source of humor judging by the laughter of many in the audience. — Bill Hirschman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

The only thing that is missing, more often than not, is the squeals and laughter of children taking a break and playing in the middle of the school day. — Rachel Deitch, Baltimore Sun, 12 Oct. 2026

Forty-one years of stages, airplanes, hotel rooms, laughter and moments nobody else saw. — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 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