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

At last, she’ll truly be seen, although she might not be heard over our own laughter. — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

But at its world premiere, the film also had the audience roaring with laughter. — Natalia Winkelman, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Guests were told to open envelopes on their seats at the sound of laughter during the second half of their show and toss rainbow confetti onto the runway. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026

The former costars’ jokes prompted a roar of laughter at the awards show. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 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