chuckle

verb

Save Word

chuck·le | \ ˈchə-kᵊl

chuckled; chuckling; chuckles

Definition of chuckle

intransitive verb

1 : to laugh inwardly or quietly He chuckled as he read the comic strip.

2 : to make a continuous gentle sound resembling suppressed (see suppress sense 5a) mirth the clear bright water chuckled over gravel— B. A. Williams

transitive verb

: to utter with a chuckle Templeton grinned. "I'll tend to this," he chuckled. He took Wilbur's tail in his mouth and bit it … . The pain revived Wilbur.— E. B. White

Other Words from chuckle Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About chuckle

Other Words from chuckle

chuckle noun

chucklesome \ ˈchə-kᵊl-səm

\ adjective

chucklingly \ ˈchə-kᵊl-iŋ-lē

\ adverb

Examples of chuckle in a Sentence

She chuckled at the memory of what he had said. everyone dutifully chuckled at the professor's intended jokes

Recent Examples on the Web Some spectators at the trial began to chuckle after his remark. — Jessica Wang, EW.com, 21 Apr. 2022 On the day that he was named the new head football coach, Lee Guess could only chuckle when reminded that the past two bosses at Pinson Valley won state championships in their first year. — al, 24 Mar. 2022 Thirty-five years later, de Lancie can’t help but chuckle at the accuracy of the statement. — Ryan Parker, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Mar. 2022 Maguire quickly bursts into a laugh, causing Garfield to also chuckle. — Benjamin Vanhoose, PEOPLE.com, 15 Mar. 2022 One thrilling chase ends with a dead-end that screws over a villain, which said villain clarifies loudly so that the audience can chuckle. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, 28 Feb. 2022 Now, more than ever, make sure to take the time to chuckle at the silliness of it all. — Tony Nitti, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2022 On TikTok, her clip has turned into a meme for the Great Resignation, drawing reactions both from users who chuckle at Reid’s misfortune and those who admire her resolve. — Washington Post, 27 Dec. 2021 It’s marketed at adults, who may ruefully chuckle at its Gen-Z characters’ antics. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 28 Oct. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chuckle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.