giggle

1 of 2

verb

gig·​gle ˈgi-gəl How to pronounce giggle (audio)
giggled; giggling ˈgi-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce giggle (audio)

intransitive verb

: to laugh with repeated short catches of the breath

transitive verb

: to utter with a giggle
giggler noun
gigglingly adverb
giggly adjective

giggle

2 of 2

noun

1
: the act of giggling
2
chiefly British : a source of amusement

Examples of giggle in a Sentence

Verb She giggled like a little kid. We were all joking and giggling nervously as we waited for the ceremony to begin. Noun poking fun at the royal family is nothing new, but this movie comedy has a few giggles you haven't heard before couldn't help but giggle at his remark
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The couple has been known to post a few snaps and reels on Instagram from time to time, including an adorable video of River giggling. Tabitha Britt, Peoplemag, 17 Mar. 2024 The jump scares, in particular, had the entire theater jumping — and then giggling at their own fear. Michael Schneider, Variety, 13 Mar. 2024 When a casting director asks Lane (who says her name two different ways) if she’s ever been in love, the actress who was then 17 or 18 giggled and said yes. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 29 Feb. 2024 Jumping for therapy In a middle-class residential neighborhood Nairobi, two young brothers are jumping and giggling with their dad on an indoor trampoline. Scovian Lillian, NPR, 26 Feb. 2024 Hazel is in the other room with Monét’s assistant, giggling along to music videos. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 31 Jan. 2024 On Sunday, the actress shared a photo to Instagram of her daughter Malti giggling while lounging on her back in a ball pit while at a friend's birthday party. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024 On Tuesday, Brittany posted videos of the family at an indoor playground, where Sterling slid down tall slides, giggling all the way. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2024 Sometimes the best healing prescription may be to simply giggle like an 8-year-old. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2024
Noun
From glam premiere shots to awards show giggles, here are some of the duo's cutest photos. Alexandra Schonfeld, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024 Known for having a silly personality, Jacky will let out endless giggles if someone tickles her. The Star, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2024 The pair — who played Donna Martin and Brenda Walsh, respectively, in the hit '90s show — stared at each other while in fits of giggles in the old-school snap. Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Beyond her dimples, ringlets, and fits of giggles is a conflicted teenager. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2024 Her infectious giggles could brighten even the most despondent demeanor. Cheryl Maguire, Washington Post, 24 Feb. 2024 Sevim responds to the attention with a coquettish giggle, a mischievous smile, and, disastrously, a love note that falls into the hands of another faculty member. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2024 Niall giggles in disbelief while John keeps encouraging Kaylee to sing. Maggie Fremont, EW.com, 4 Oct. 2023 Minaj giggles after the line, and later tweeted photos of her feet. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'giggle.' 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

Verb

imitative

First Known Use

Verb

1509, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

circa 1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of giggle was in 1509

Dictionary Entries Near giggle

Cite this Entry

“Giggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giggle. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

giggle

verb
gig·​gle
ˈgig-əl
giggled; giggling
-(ə-)liŋ
: to laugh with repeated short high sounds
giggle noun
giggly
-(ə-)lē
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on giggle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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