laughter

noun

laugh·​ter ˈlaf-tər 

ˈläf-

1

: a sound of or as if of laughing

2

archaic : a cause of merriment

Synonyms

• 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

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

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