laughter

noun

laugh·​ter ˈlaf-tər How to pronounce laughter (audio)
ˈläf-
1
: a sound of or as if of laughing
2
archaic : a cause of merriment

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thanks for being my partner in crime, for the laughter, advice, and endless love. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 14 Oct. 2025 Fans can expect to see Tommie Lee, Mehgan James, and Daphnique Springs, alongside everyday litigants whose real-life disputes spark equal parts laughter and drama. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025 There was food, laughter and the kind of joy that comes from gathering around a baby. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 But, despite the language differences, TikTok users united in their joy at the lighthearted clip, with most comments featuring a laughter emoji. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laughter

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of laughter was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Laughter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laughter. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

laughter

noun
laugh·​ter ˈlaf-tər How to pronounce laughter (audio)
ˈlȧf-
: the action or sound of laughing

More from Merriam-Webster on laughter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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