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

Using music as a canvas to paint a funny, layered portrait of the human experience, Johnson creates a set that comes alive with the sound of more than the laughter at the Wiltern, where the special was filmed earlier this year. —Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2026

Plenty of skilled directors can manipulate tension and fear while still poking us toward nervous laughter. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026

As Margo’s laughter turns into anxious tears, Shyanne tenderly cradles her in her lap, staying fully present for her daughter in her moment of need. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 20 May 2026

And so for me, that’s not about stale stuff, that’s about connecting to the joy of life, connecting to laughter and the beauty of other people. —Los Angeles Times, 20 May 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