chuckle

[chuhk-uhl]

verb (used without object)

chuckled, chuckling 

1. to laugh softly or amusedly, usually with satisfaction.

   They chuckled at the child's efforts to walk.

2. to laugh to oneself.

   to chuckle while reading.

3. Obsolete.,  to cluck, as a fowl.

noun

1. a soft laugh, usually of satisfaction.

2. Obsolete.,  the cluck of a hen.

chuckle

/ ˈtʃʌkəl /

verb

1. to laugh softly or to oneself

2. (of animals, esp hens) to make a clucking sound

noun

1. a partly suppressed laugh

Other Word Forms

• chuckler noun
• chucklingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chuckle¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; chuck ³ + -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of chuckle¹

C16: probably from _chuck ³

Synonym Study

See laugh.

Example Sentences

Santa Ana chuckled as I described some of the better videos I’ve seen.

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As expected, some of Swift’s more questionable lyrics — many of which were exponentially funnier as clean versions — garnered some chuckles, and “Actually Romantic,” an alleged Charli XCX diss track, notably concluded without applause.

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“I pulled almost an all-nighter last night, so he’s been keeping us up,” he said, exhaling a light chuckle.

Read more on Salon

LeBron James chuckled at the question he knew was coming as a a smile crossed his face when he was asked about the word “retirement.”

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“I accidentally sold eight extra tickets for a class,” he said, chuckling at himself.

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Related Words

• chortle 
• laugh 
• smile 
• snicker