laughing

American  

[laf-ing, lah-fing] / ˈlæf ɪŋ, ˈlɑ fɪŋ /

adjective

1. that laughs or is given to laughter.

   a laughing child.

2. uttering sounds like human laughter, as some birds.

3. suggesting laughter by brightness, color, sound, etc..

   a laughing stream; laughing flowers.

4. laughable.

   The increase in crime is no laughing matter.

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noun

1. laughter.

Other Word Forms

• laughingly adverb
• unlaughing adjective

Etymology

Origin of laughing

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at laugh, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

The symptoms of muscle tension dysphonia tend to carry over into laughing, singing, and changing the pitch of one’s voice.

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

There was crying, complaining, dissociating and even laughing on those couches.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

“Look at that tiny window and carpet of decay,” she said, laughing at the twin bed and messy floor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

"Not in my lifetime," said a laughing Ferguson when asked if City, following their 2008 takeover, would ever be top dogs in Manchester.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

I was tired and didn’t want to hear Jeff say anything about Jessica, and then find myself laughing five minutes later at some doofus thing he did.

From "Firegirl" by Tony Abbott

Related Words

• humorous