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

With the laughter of family and the smell of turkey on Thanksgiving Day comes the concerns of local pediatricians about what viruses could mean for children. —Dawn White, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025

Characters new and old navigate the waters of Sacred Heart with laughter, heart and some surprises along the way. —Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Nov. 2025

The Fabs’ laughter and camaraderie is so contagious through all nine episodes, like the famous moment where Paul defends the White Album. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 2025

There was laughter as clips from some of the show’s most iconic moments played, from the Fruit of the Month debacle in the pilot to the last scene in the finale. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Nov. 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