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

“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

The pregnant pause that follows effortlessly beckons laughter.

From Los Angeles Times

In her post, Mellencamp wrote that their relationship had “been years of discovery, laughter, tears, growth, and companionship.”

From Los Angeles Times

“They were destroying this country at the border, I mean millions and millions of people. I’m sure we have some in here tonight with us,” Trump said as the audience rippled with laughter.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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