chortle

[chawr-tl]

verb (used without object)

chortled, chortling 

1. to chuckle gleefully.

verb (used with object)

chortled, chortling 

1. to express with a gleeful chuckle.

   to chortle one's joy.

noun

1. a gleeful chuckle.

chortle

/ ˈtʃɔːtəl /

verb

1. (intr) to chuckle gleefully

noun

1. a gleeful chuckle

Other Word Forms

• chortler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of chortle¹

Blend of chuckle and snort; coined by Lewis Carroll in Through the Looking-Glass (1871)

Word History and Origins

Origin of chortle¹

C19: coined (1871) by Lewis Carroll in Through the Looking-glass; probably a blend of _chuckle + _snort

Example Sentences

They’ve made new friends, including several other Palisades evacuees, and Joe chortled when he told me his dear youthful bride has taken up pickleball.

From Los Angeles Times

The show’s masked elites watched the carnage from a luxe, concealed spectator box, chomping on cigars and chortling as player after player met a gruesome death.

From Los Angeles Times

“I am trying to say it publicly to make sure he sees it,” Rogen says with his trademark chortle.

From Los Angeles Times

"He used more expletives than I just did," Hancock chortles.

From BBC

Ken interjects in a flash, to chortles around the table.

From BBC

Related Words

• cackle 
• chuckle 
• giggle 
• laugh 
• snicker