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

Towering over the locals, the players drew giggles and wide-eyed stares.

From Los Angeles Times

The pair look at each other coyly, nervously giggling - there has been no announcement of Colman being involved in the films.

From BBC

After giggling and hiding her eyes behind a pillow, she fell asleep on the couch.

From Los Angeles Times

But, following their semi-final exit, Draper was keen to point out the event did not feel like a hit and giggle after all.

From BBC

The band's chemistry is particularly evident during Don't Know What To Do, as Lisa and Rosé deliberately bump into each other on the catwalk and collapse in a fit of giggles.

From BBC

Related Words

• cackle 
• chuckle 
• guffaw 
• laugh 
• snicker