chortle

[ chawr-tl ]

verb (used without object)

, chor·tled, chor·tling.

1. to chuckle gleefully.

verb (used with object)

, chor·tled, chor·tling.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈchortler, noun

Other Words From

• chortler 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

Lewis Carroll really did introduce the word “chortle” to the English language in his 1871 poem Jabberwocky.

From The Daily Beast

He appeared also to be saying he had inside information about it that he could only chortle about, unable to spell it out.

From The Daily Beast

It rose again—it was like a perplexing cheep and chirrup, changing to a chortle of glee.

From Project Gutenberg

I thought you were a good enough pal not to want to chortle over me—as I know Geoffrey will—should the thing turn out a frost!

From Project Gutenberg

You flourish the "pass" signed by "A" in triumph, and with a chortle, point to the signature.

From Project Gutenberg

Im larnin how to git along with Jane Ann, declared Mr. Hicks, with a delighted chortle, and pinching the freckled girl beside him.

From Project Gutenberg

They will not actually steal, but they will cheat you every time and chortle over it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cackle
• chuckle
• giggle
• laugh
• snicker