laughter

noun

laugh·​ter ˈlaf-tər How to pronounce laughter (audio)
ˈläf-
Synonyms of laughternext
1
: a sound of or as if of laughing
2
archaic : a cause of merriment

Synonyms

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Joking was her version of uncontrollable tears, but Dr. Fenton neither laughed nor pressed to see what was behind Lilian’s inane laughter. — Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025 The inventive plot twists and frequent ad-libs led to filming often being interrupted by laughter. — Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 The dinner, fueled by laughter and conversation, stretched on late into the night. — Ian Malone, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2025 The joke was met with laughter and cheers from the crowd of celebrities. — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laughter

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of laughter was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing laughter

Rhymes for laughter

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Browse Nearby Words

laughter
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Cite this Entry

“Laughter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laughter. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

laughter

noun
laugh·​ter ˈlaf-tər How to pronounce laughter (audio)
ˈlȧf-
: the action or sound of laughing

More from Merriam-Webster on laughter

Nglish: Translation of laughter for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about laughter

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