laughter

[ laf-ter, lahf- ]

noun

1. the action or sound of laughing. laughing.
2. an inner quality, mood, disposition, etc., suggestive of laughter; mirthfulness:

   a man of laughter and goodwill.

3. an expression or appearance of merriment or amusement.
4. Archaic. an object of laughter; subject or matter for amusement.

laughter

/ ˈlɑːftə /

noun

1. the action of or noise produced by laughing
2. the experience or manifestation of mirth, amusement, scorn, or joy

Other Words From

• laughter·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of laughter¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English hleahtor; cognate with Old High German hlahtar, Old Norse hlātr; laugh

Word History and Origins

Origin of laughter¹

Old English hleahtor; related to Old Norse hlātr

Example Sentences

Every time I think of my old idea of midlife — that dreary pasture full of drab linens — laughter bubbles out of me.

From Los Angeles Times

It was love baked into grilled cheeses and currents of laughter that swept through the house during unexpected moments of long quiet.

From Los Angeles Times

These are most certainly tears of laughter.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a simple game mechanism — people just trying to find patterns together — but the visuals of it, with things on your head and lights changing colors, it does it all. It creates a connection. It creates laughter. You can think about mathematics and patterns. This, to me, is improvisational choreography.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Hello, Mr. Owner!” one shouted, making him erupt in laughter.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amusement
• chuckle
• giggle
• glee
• guffaw
• hilarity
• laugh
• mirth
• roar
• shout
• shriek
• snicker