laughter

noun laugh·ter \ ˈlaf-tər , ˈläf- \

|Updated on: 12 Jul 2018

Examples: laughter in a Sentence

Definition of laughter

1 : a sound of or as if of laughing

2 archaic : a cause of merriment

See laughter defined for English-language learners

See laughter defined for kids

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 of laughter from the Web

At a couple of points during her increasingly raw performance, the audience appears to be seeking entry points into laughter even though the jokes are no longer forthcoming.

— aja romano, Vox, "Why Hannah Gadsby’s searing comedy special Nanette has upended comedy for good," 5 July 2018
Carter, one of the most ferocious hitters on Miami’s roster, dissolved into laughter and couldn’t help but smile as he was mobbed by the newest players on his former youth team.

— christy cabrera chirinos, Sun-Sentinel.com, "For Hurricanes, youth football camps a chance to give back to communities in their hometowns," 12 June 2018
People don't realize it, but laughter is the best medicine.

— sabrina eaton, cleveland.com, "Jim Renacci signs letter nominating President Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize," 3 May 2018
Also, just flat out having fun — laughter is so healing and being able to goof off ... to lighten up.

— NBC News, "Ashley Judd: How to heal the loneliness that comes with having a big, courageous voice," 23 Apr. 2018
This is because laughter is a response to the pretense of human superiority, and its unmasking.

— ellen wayland-smith, Longreads, "Death Rattle: The Body’s Betrayals," 21 Mar. 2018
Clemons’ reference to last week’s dramatic school board meeting in which children and adults begged Carvalho not to leave Miami-Dade was met with laughter from the audience.

— kyra gurney, miamiherald, "After dramatic rejection of New York job, Carvalho gets the royal treatment in Miami | Miami Herald," 5 Mar. 2018
For the 17th consecutive year, the Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival will set up shop for a week loaded with laughter.

— adam lukach, RedEye Chicago, "5 things to do in Chicago this weekend," 11 Jan. 2018
At the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, director Matt Pfeiffer uses the striking scenic and lighting design of Steve TenEyck to create a show that mixes riotous laughter with a sense of the tragic.

— hugh hunter, Philly.com, "Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival's 'Twelfth Night': A hilarious tragedy on human frailty," 24 June 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of laughter

Middle English, from Old English hleahtor; akin to Old English hliehhan

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

laughter Synonyms

LAUGHTER Defined for English Language Learners

laughter

noun

Definition of laughter for English Language Learners

: the action or sound of laughing

LAUGHTER Defined for Kids

laughter

noun laugh·ter \ ˈlaf-tər , ˈläf- \

Definition of laughter for Students

: the action or sound of laughing

Learn More about laughter

See words that rhyme with laughter Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for laughter Spanish Central: Translation of laughter Nglish: Translation of laughter for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of laughter for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about laughter

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laughter

Definition of laughter

Examples of laughter in a Sentence

Recent Examples of laughter from the Web

Origin and Etymology of laughter

laughter Synonyms

Synonyms

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LAUGHTER Defined for English Language Learners

laughter

Definition of laughter for English Language Learners

LAUGHTER Defined for Kids

laughter

Definition of laughter for Students

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