giggle

[gig-uhl]

verb (used without object)

giggled, giggling 

1. to laugh in a silly, often high-pitched way, especially with short, repeated gasps and titters, as from juvenile or ill-concealed amusement or nervous embarrassment.

   Synonyms: chuckle, snigger, snicker

noun

1. a silly, spasmodic laugh; titter.

   Synonyms: chuckle, snigger, snicker

2. Slang.,  an amusing experience, incident, etc..

   Going to a silly movie was always a giggle.

giggle

/ ˈɡɪɡəl /

verb

1. (intr) to laugh nervously or foolishly

noun

1. such a laugh

2. informal,  something or someone that provokes amusement

3. a fit of prolonged and uncontrollable giggling

4. informal,  as a joke or prank; not seriously

Other Word Forms

• giggler noun
• gigglingly adverb
• giggly adjective
• giggling noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of giggle¹

1500–10; imitative; compare Dutch gigelen, German gickeln. See -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of giggle¹

C16: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

He playfully slapped at him, and they smiled and giggled like the best of friends.

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Puffin’s insulated beverage sleeves are practical and will bring a giggle out of whoever you gift them to.

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Hudson agrees, adding with a giggle, “I told Hugh, ‘I’m really tactile.

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Ama raises an eyebrow, but she breaks into a smile when she sees Autumn and me giggling.

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“Simawoo,” Cassiopeia said as her brothers giggled helplessly, “we know the perfect job for you.”

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Related Words

• cackle 
• chuckle 
• guffaw 
• laugh 
• snicker