guffaw

[guh-faw, guh-]

noun

1. a loud, unrestrained burst of laughter.

verb (used without object)

1. to laugh loudly and boisterously.

guffaw

/ ɡʌˈfɔː /

noun

1. a crude and boisterous laugh

verb

1. to laugh crudely and boisterously or express (something) in this way

Word History and Origins

Origin of guffaw¹

First recorded in 1710–20; perhaps imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of guffaw¹

C18: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

“Hizzoner guffawed nonstop for a minute and a half after that one. Say, what did he mean by it? Were they in the circus?”

Read more on Literature

I started identifying as a writer and began my journey into being an amateur snob, saying things like, “I don’t eat McDonald’s — I guffaw at the idea of a person indulging in McDonald’s!”

Read more on Salon

"Someone wrote their number on a tissue the other day and I was like, 'Oh no, you're just not my type'," she guffaws.

Read more on BBC

But save a few random guffaws, this whacked-out tale of a Jewish family’s Shabbat dinner that goes wildly off the rails may prompt more eye rolls and exasperated sighs than were surely on the menu.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He politely guffaws at the idea of a regular person like, say, this reporter, calling him for a consultation, but then hastily explains it’s because he really can’t take on any more clients.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• laughter