titter

[ tit-er ]

verb (used without object)

1. to laugh in a restrained, self-conscious, or affected way, as from nervousness or in ill-suppressed amusement.

   Synonyms: giggle, snigger, snicker

noun

1. a tittering laugh.

titter

/ ˈtɪtə /

verb

1. intr to snigger, esp derisively or in a suppressed way
2. tr to express by tittering

noun

1. a suppressed laugh, chuckle, or snigger

Derived Forms

• ˈtitteringly, adverb
• ˈtittering, adjective
• ˈtitterer, noun

Other Words From

• titter·er noun
• titter·ing·ly adverb
• un·titter·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of titter¹

1610–20; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Old Norse tittra to quiver, Swedish (dial.) tittra to giggle

Word History and Origins

Origin of titter¹

C17: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Mere mention of this ragtag family from the wrong side of the road made all the nieces titter.

From Literature

A three-star review from Empire said the film was "overly reliant" on the sweary letters "with most raising titters rather than laughs".

From BBC

A recognizable screen star, Gambon went out not with a Broadway bang but with a sly Beckettian titter, committed as always to the work rather than his celebrity.

From Los Angeles Times

Spacey replied to titters from the gallery in the packed courtroom.

From Seattle Times

The crowd began to titter as Newman shaded his eyes, pretending to look into the stands for a challenger.

From Los Angeles Times