belly laugh

noun

: a deep hearty laugh

Example Sentences

He has an infectious belly laugh. The show provided lots of belly laughs.
Recent Examples on the Web Linguist Don Nilsen points out that chuckles and belly laughs seldom happen when alone, supporting their strong social role. Janet M. Gibson, CNN, 1 Apr. 2023 There are enough belly laughs in this eccentrically sentimental comedy to maybe earn A24 a hit out of SXSW two years in a row. A.a. Dowd, Chron, 16 Mar. 2023 To let out an honest belly laugh. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 14 Oct. 2021 He's got the cheat code to my belly laugh. Chancellor Agard, EW.com, 21 May 2021 Anyone weary of cringe-y, performative displays of bien-pensant thinking might crack a smile — or let loose a belly laugh. Seth Colter Walls, New York Times, 23 Dec. 2022 Strong has all the tools: a remarkable and versatile singing voice, impeccable acting chops, and a love of the belly laugh spotlight unrivaled even by her illustrious pals. Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2022 White-bearded Bill Swank, who has perfected his belly laugh and put on the red suit nearly every year since 2002, is fearful that the city has become a Christmas Grinch. Diane Bell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Dec. 2022 Comedy can be cruelly fleeting; one generation’s belly laugh is often the next one’s blank stare. Elvia Limón, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'belly laugh.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of belly laugh was in 1916

Dictionary Entries Near belly laugh

Cite this Entry

“Belly laugh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belly%20laugh. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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