belly laugh

American  

noun

1. a deep, loud, hearty laugh.

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belly laugh British  

noun

1. a loud deep hearty laugh

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Etymology

Origin of belly laugh

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

His older sister, Averie, was a protector who “beat up everybody for me from age 3 to like 15,” Domingo says, letting out an extended belly laugh.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

“Laughter is everything. When you laugh — like a real belly laugh — you’re letting out your inner self,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

Reportedly, she was asked to sing her hit “Firework,” which, considering her proximity to some of the most combustible substances in existence, might have tested God’s urge for a belly laugh.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2025

Magic Johnson possesses more than a megawatt smile and a belly laugh that reminds you of your favorite uncle.

From Washington Post • Apr. 16, 2023

Within minutes I was exhausted from the effort and had to sit down to rest, prompting a belly laugh from the Sherpa.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer