laughter

[laf-ter, lahf-]

noun

1. the action or sound of laughing. laughing.

2. an inner quality, mood, disposition, etc., suggestive of laughter; mirthfulness.

   a man of laughter and goodwill.

3. an expression or appearance of merriment or amusement.

4. Archaic.,  an object of laughter; subject or matter for amusement.

laughter

/ ˈlɑːftə /

noun

1. the action of or noise produced by laughing

2. the experience or manifestation of mirth, amusement, scorn, or joy

Other Word Forms

• laughterless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of laughter¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English hleahtor; cognate with Old High German hlahtar, Old Norse hlātr; laugh

Word History and Origins

Origin of laughter¹

Old English hleahtor; related to Old Norse hlātr

Example Sentences

Many moviegoers attending an evening screening of “Jaws” said they wanted to see the movie “the way it was intended,” embracing the communal experience of fear and laughter in the theater.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether you spent the last year in tears watching “The Pitt,” doubled over with laughter watching “The Studio” or binge-watching your go-to comfort show, this year’s Emmy Awards has something for you.

From Los Angeles Times

After her solicitor asked if she was ok to continue, C6 moved on to the moment the "day of laughter and excitement" turned into a "living nightmare".

From BBC

They described her as a "a cherished sister, a loyal friend, and a radiant presence whose laughter could light up any room".

From BBC

"Then everyone just burst into a mixture of spontaneous laughter and applause."

From BBC

Related Words

• amusement 
• chuckle 
• giggle 
• glee 
• guffaw 
• hilarity 
• laugh 
• mirth 
• roar 
• shout 
• shriek 
• snicker