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

Though he rarely laughs, the laughter of others — women, in particular — is one of Trump’s many bizarre preoccupations.

From Salon

“The topic was so heavy, but there was also so much humor and laughter and lightness. I was like, there’s something here, we just have to figure out how to dramatize this.”

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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Last year the Queen celebrated the 20,000th episode of the show by raising a glass to the "joy, tears and laughter" it gives.

From BBC

Related Words

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