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; laugh, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

"Be careful they can jump," he says, laughing at my squeamishness.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Suzuki, 52, standing in front of his likeness outside T-Mobile Park, pointed incredulously at the bat before laughing.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

“I was like, ‘I am so stupid, I can’t believe I have put myself in this position,’” Early says, laughing at the memory.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

As this dark comedy’s opening credits roll, they’re blissfully practicing their first dance, laughing and stumbling as they try to get their twirls and steps right.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

She dips her paddle in and out faster, which does nothing for our forward motion, and I let go of my own paddle and bend forward, unable to sit up straight, I’m laughing so hard.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• humorous