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

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

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

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• laughter