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

We know that his coalition of giggles and guffaws is far from monolithic.

From Salon

Cutting back to Stewart, we see him sarcastically react with, “Yes, yes, of course, terrible. Boo!” before breaking into giggles.

From Salon

And he can probably hear the giggling tourists taking pictures with the latest cameras and phones, which he is forbidden from owning.

From BBC

Waking up to the sounds of Princess Peach giggling or Zelda softly cooing “wake up,” is, yes, odd, but I appreciate the burst of frivolity before I start worrying about my to-do list.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• cackle
• chuckle
• guffaw
• laugh
• snicker