guffaw

[guh-faw, guh-]

noun

1. a loud, unrestrained burst of laughter.

verb (used without object)

1. to laugh loudly and boisterously.

guffaw

/ ɡʌˈfɔː /

noun

1. a crude and boisterous laugh

verb

1. to laugh crudely and boisterously or express (something) in this way

Word History and Origins

Origin of guffaw¹

First recorded in 1710–20; perhaps imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of guffaw¹

C18: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

"Someone wrote their number on a tissue the other day and I was like, 'Oh no, you're just not my type'," she guffaws.

From BBC

But save a few random guffaws, this whacked-out tale of a Jewish family’s Shabbat dinner that goes wildly off the rails may prompt more eye rolls and exasperated sighs than were surely on the menu.

From Los Angeles Times

He politely guffaws at the idea of a regular person like, say, this reporter, calling him for a consultation, but then hastily explains it’s because he really can’t take on any more clients.

From Los Angeles Times

He yells, plots, spills coffee, turns dad jokes into gut-punch guffaws, and makes the entire auditorium fold itself into a ball, shaking with laughter as much as they shake with anxiety.

From Salon

A coke while walking Bill Maher through the White House, smiling and laughing and taking the comedian’s sartorial jabs with a light-hearted guffaw.

From Salon

Related Words

• laughter