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

A bitter and reflexive gotcha guffaw to match the mean times, in which headlines redound with “Slams,” “Rips,” and “Blasted” as things people routinely do to each other.

From Ozy

She has said that she fell in love with the guffaw and started to pursue its owner, a fellow Princeton grad.

From Time

The perfect amount of raunchy shock value to color a guffaw with a gasp.

From The Daily Beast

Even those who support union with Russia guffaw when asked whether the referendum will be above board.

From The Daily Beast

Hitting the sidewalk, I let out an unexpected guffaw as the subdead abomination trod over my body without even taking notice!

From The Daily Beast

When the Booker Prize was launched as the “British Goncourt” in 1969, it was met by a universal guffaw.

From The Daily Beast

She had an incredible laugh—something between a giggle and a guffaw.

From The Daily Beast

At this the crowd roared with laughter, and now was the first shade of good-nature mixed with the guffaw.

From Project Gutenberg

Then luckily somebody laughed; and a general guffaw saved the situation.

From Project Gutenberg

Politely veiled laughter greeted this sally, except from Dr. Wilson, who burst into an open guffaw.

From Project Gutenberg

Smith opened his head, and emitted as large a guffaw as he ever allowed himself to indulge in.

From Project Gutenberg

He gazed at Betty, then at the two dogs, uttered a light guffaw, and vanished round the corner.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• laughter