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

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

To write, especially in a first draft, is to submit myself to the mangy, cackling glory of not knowing. — Literary Hub, 17 Apr. 2026

The shocker, of course, is activated via remote control, held by a cackling Knoxville. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026

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

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
• demoniacal
• 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