giggle

1 of 2

verb

gig·​gle ˈgi-gəl 

giggled; giggling ˈgi-g(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

: to laugh with repeated short catches of the breath

transitive verb

: to utter with a giggle

giggler

ˈgi-g(ə-)lər 

noun

gigglingly

ˈgi-g(ə-)liŋ-lē 

adverb

giggly

ˈgi-g(ə-)lē 

adjective

giggle

2 of 2

noun

1

: the act of giggling

2

chiefly British : a source of amusement

Synonyms

Verb

• break up
• cackle
• chortle
• chuckle
• crack up
• hee-haw
• laugh
• roar
• scream
• snicker
• titter
• twitter

Noun

• boff
• boffo
• boffola
• crack
• drollery
• funny
• gag
• jape
• jest
• joke
• josh
• laugh
• nifty
• one-liner
• pleasantry
• quip
• rib
• sally
• waggery
• wisecrack
• witticism
• yuk [slang]
• yuck
• yak
• yock

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 video then switched to Emme giggling while holding some piglets before the camera turned to Max sitting down with a friend for some food. —Becca Longmire, Peoplemag, 25 Mar. 2024

On set, the two laugh together in between takes, both giggling as Grande leans her head on the American Horror Story alum’s shoulder. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2024

Guests will also encounter fun elements throughout the experience, including an interactive gong; mischievous, giggling baby pandas; and oversized merry-go-round noodle bowls from Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop. —EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024

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

Noun

Right on time, the quiet room fills with giggles and sneaker squeaks as children pile into the space, each one excitedly talking over the other. —Maya Eaglin, NBC News, 9 Mar. 2024

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

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

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