cackle

verb

cack·​le ˈka-kəl 

cackled; cackling ˈka-k(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to make the sharp broken noise or cry characteristic of a hen especially after laying

2

: to laugh especially in a harsh or sharp manner

… Shakespeare's crones cackled of evil deeds …

—Scott McMurray

3

: chatter

cackle noun

cackler

ˈka-k(ə-)lər 

noun

Synonyms of cackle

• chat
• talk
• converse
• chatter
• rattle

Examples of cackle in a Sentence

The hens were cackling in the henhouse.

I could hear my aunts cackling in the next room.

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier, Mitchell’s Avdotya has attacked him with a pillow, railing and cackling. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026

There is more cackling when Jesus tries to explain Arteta’s latest motivational technique. —Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026

The women all cackled in unison. —Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 5 Feb. 2026

Violet cackled, and the tension broke. —Andrew Martin, New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cakelen, of imitative origin

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cackle

• crackle
• hackle
• jackal
• shackle
• tackle
• vakil
• ramshackle
• tabernacle
• zodiacal

Kids Definition

cackle

verb

cack·​le ˈkak-əl 

cackled; cackling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to make the sharp broken noise or cry that a hen makes especially after laying an egg

2

: to laugh or chatter noisily

cackle noun

cackler

-(ə-)lər 

noun