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

The holidays can be a magical time, full of friends, family, and laughter. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2025

It was rooted in laughter, love, food, and the simple act of being present. —Essence, 15 Dec. 2025

Perez then gave Hager a sultry look when referencing her former costar, causing the pair to burst into laughter. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 2025

In a private moment, Sadie Sink and Amalia Yoo play estranged friends reaching back out to each other—first pretending to laugh, then really giggling, then abandoning themselves to a laughter bigger than themselves. —Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2025

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