giggle

[ gig-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, gig·gled, gig·gling.

1. to laugh in a silly, often high-pitched way, especially with short, repeated gasps and titters, as from juvenile or ill-concealed amusement or nervous embarrassment.

   Synonyms: chuckle, snigger, snicker

noun

1. a silly, spasmodic laugh; titter.

   Synonyms: chuckle, snigger, snicker

2. Slang. an amusing experience, incident, etc.:

   Going to a silly movie was always a giggle.

giggle

/ ˈɡɪɡəl /

verb

1. intr to laugh nervously or foolishly

noun

1. such a laugh
2. informal.
   something or someone that provokes amusement
3. the giggles
   a fit of prolonged and uncontrollable giggling
4. for a giggle informal.
   as a joke or prank; not seriously

Derived Forms

• ˈgiggler, noun
• ˈgiggly, adjective
• ˈgigglingly, adverb
• ˈgiggling, nounadjective

Other Words From

• giggler noun
• giggling·ly adverb
• giggly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of giggle¹

1500–10; imitative; compare Dutch gigelen, German gickeln. See -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of giggle¹

C16: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Even if he's re-elected, Trump can strip abortion rights and he can deport millions, but he can't make others giggle at stupid, bigoted "jokes."

From Salon

Betsy interjects with a giggle: "I was really fat."

From BBC

“I was like, I don’t think that’s true,” he says, launching into an unmistakable giggle I’ll hear many times over the course of our conversation.

From Los Angeles Times

All too many people are ready to buy the sexist narrative that, because college girls giggle nervously when put on the spot, what they're saying isn't worth listening to.

From Salon

The women’s eyes widen, and they look at one another and giggle.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cackle
• chuckle
• guffaw
• laugh
• snicker