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 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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Pascal started to titter, then completely break.

From Los Angeles Times

Musk recently painted over the ‘w’ in the Twitter headquarters sign so it read “Titter.”

From Los Angeles Times