guffaw

American  

[guh-faw, guh-] / gʌˈfɔ, gə- /

noun

1. a loud, unrestrained burst of laughter.

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verb (used without object)

1. to laugh loudly and boisterously.

guffaw British  

/ ɡʌˈfɔː /

noun

1. a crude and boisterous laugh

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of guffaw

First recorded in 1710–20; perhaps imitative

Example Sentences

The name Hank McCune may be lost to history, but his short-lived television sitcom will forever be remembered for its chuckles, chortles, giggles and guffaws.

From The Wall Street Journal

But when Amy Madigan’s deliciously wicked villain, Aunt Gladys, finally appeared in her blunt wig with lipstick smeared all over her teeth, even I couldn’t resist offering up some guffaws of my own.

From Salon

It’s typical of the home-state reporting corps to guffaw when their own governor is touted as a presidential candidate.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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!”

From Salon

Related Words

• laughter