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

Their mother, Janet, heard their laughter and popped into the room—the downstairs den, refitted with a hospital bed—and asked what was so funny. — Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026

Dolly’s heartfelt wish was that Dollywood always remain a place of joy, hope and togetherness — a space where families and friends could honor her memory, not with silence, but with laughter, music and shared dreams. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2026

Bridey’s first response to life, even to its darknesses, is laughter. — Garth Greenwell, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026

Yet how could anyone object to spending 65 minutes with a zany Broadway star who has learned to turn her shame into shared laughter? — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 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