cackle

verb

cack·​le ˈka-kəl How to pronounce cackle (audio)
cackled; cackling ˈka-k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce cackle (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: to make the sharp broken noise or cry characteristic of a hen especially after laying
2
: to laugh especially in a harsh or sharp manner
Shakespeare's crones cackled of evil deedsScott McMurray
3
cackle noun
cackler noun

Examples of cackle in a Sentence

The hens were cackling in the henhouse. I could hear my aunts cackling in the next room.
Recent Examples on the Web The old insult comic remains onstage, serving up the same routine to a crowd that cackles and roars. Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2024 Find registration information about costume and cackling contests and more at irvingtonhalloween.com/schedule-of-events. Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Oct. 2024 As Arthur collapses in a bloody heap and dies, the mystery man cackles — and, out of focus and almost out of frame, cuts his own mouth into a wider smile. Jack Smart, People.com, 3 Oct. 2024 Ditch the classic ding-dong and instead opt for a more holiday-appropriate sound, like a howl, a cackling witch, or other creepy sounds. Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cackle 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cackle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cakelen, of imitative origin

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cackle was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near cackle

Cite this Entry

“Cackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cackle. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

cackle

verb
cack·​le ˈkak-əl How to pronounce cackle (audio)
cackled; cackling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce cackle (audio)
1
: to make the sharp broken noise or cry that a hen makes especially after laying an egg
2
: to laugh or chatter noisily
cackle noun
cackler noun

More from Merriam-Webster on cackle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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