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 question, asked by a potential juror, was met immediately with raucous laughter in the courtroom. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

The live show’s audience, filled with women in floral maxidresses and bearded men who probably host their own podcasts, was more than ready for love and laughter. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026

After failing to suppress her laughter, Brattin sunk to the floor as another host continued the segment on the live broadcast. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Ormund looks on in horror as Roddy raises his arms – or what’s left of them – and bellows laughter. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 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