laughter

noun

laugh·​ter ˈlaf-tər 

ˈläf-

1

: a sound of or as if of laughing

2

archaic : a cause of merriment

Synonyms of laughter

• chuckle
• giggle
• laugh
• snicker

Examples of laughter in a Sentence

The audience roared with laughter.

the nervous producers were reassured by the sounds of laughter coming from the theater

Recent Examples on the Web

The story celebrates love in various forms and features unexpected twists, with moments of humor and others that evoke laughter, applause and even a few surprises from the audience. — Franchesca Guim, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026

Or at least warts that had been covered up by the flattering glow of dim lighting, flowers, champagne toasts, and laughter. — Danielle Pergament, Allure, 29 Sep. 2026

One of them mentioned that maybe, just possibly, all the laughter had upset a spirit in the house. — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

But, when Dovner questioned him lightly about the details, the man’s infectious laughter made Gleb even more convinced that such trifles were hardly worth mentioning at all. — Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hleahtor; akin to Old English hliehhan

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing laughter

• erupt in laughter
• fit of laughter
• howl with laughter
• laughter lines

Rhymes for laughter

• after
• drafter
• rafter
• hereafter
• thereafter
• hereinafter
• thereinafter

Kids Definition

laughter

noun

laugh·​ter ˈlaf-tər 

ˈlȧf-

: the action or sound of laughing