snicker

[ snik-er ]

verb (used without object)

1. to laugh in a half-suppressed, indecorous or disrespectful manner.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter with a snicker.

noun

1. a snickering laugh.

snicker

/ ˈsnɪkə /

noun

1. a sly or disrespectful laugh, esp one partly stifled

verb

1. to utter such a laugh Equivalent term (in Britain and certain other countries)snigger
2. (of a horse) to whinny

Other Words From

• snicker·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of snicker¹

First recorded in 1685–95; of expressive origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of snicker¹

C17: probably of imitative origin

Example Sentences

The differences were stark and — save for the occasional groan, eye roll or sarcastic snicker — politely received.

From Los Angeles Times

Hardly a mention of the production went by without a snicker.

From New York Times

Two of the men coughed to hide their snickering.

From Literature

The other kids began to snicker and looked to see what Turkey Vulture would say.

From Literature

There were some snickers across the table, and Sara instantly felt self-conscious.

From Literature

Related Words

• chortle
• chuckle
• giggle
• laugh
• smirk
• sneer