belly laugh

American

noun

a deep, loud, hearty laugh.

belly laugh British

noun

a loud deep hearty laugh

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of belly laugh

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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

Morrison misses his late partner’s gigantic belly laugh that would engulf everything in its orbit.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 4, 2024

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

At this, Momly couldn't contain herself and let out a belly laugh.

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023