laughing

[ laf-ing, lah-fing ]

/ ˈlæf ɪŋ, ˈlɑ fɪŋ /

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See synonyms for: laughing / laughingly on Thesaurus.com

adjective

that laughs or is given to laughter: a laughing child.

uttering sounds like human laughter, as some birds.

suggesting laughter by brightness, color, sound, etc.: a laughing stream; laughing flowers.

laughable: The increase in crime is no laughing matter.

noun

laughter.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of laughing

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at laugh, -ing¹, -ing²

OTHER WORDS FROM laughing

laugh·ing·ly, adverbun·laugh·ing, adjective

Words nearby laughing

Laugh, and the world laughs with you; weep, and you weep alone, laugh at, laugh away, laugh down, laugher, laughing, laughing gas, laughing gull, laughing hyena, laughing jackass, laughing matter

How to use laughing in a sentence

There are passages that are so wistfully uncomfortable that you might squirm, or start “snort-laughing,” or want to stop a moment and just think.
Seeking love and community in Nicaragua|Terri Schlichenmeyer|January 15, 2022|Washington Blade
Though their personality types were different, their shared sarcasm kept her laughing throughout the evening.
Date Lab: Can an ‘extreme extrovert’ and introvert hit it off?|Damona Hoffman|April 22, 2021|Washington Post
I would have all her gestures, her ways of laughing, of speaking with passion and conviction.
What I Wish I’d Done Before I Lost My Daughter and Mother|Maryanne O’Hara|April 8, 2021|Time
Just like crying or laughing can provide a rush of calm in moments of sadness or joy, a good ol’ yell can give us temporary relief from anger and frustration.
Stressed? Try screaming. Yes, really.|Sara Kiley Watson|January 8, 2021|Popular-Science

Another picture showed him surrounded by a dozen or so fighters—some masked and others laughing.
Did ISIS Shoot Down a Fighter Jet?|Jamie Dettmer, Christopher Dickey|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The “smile through tears” had replaced the previous mindset that laughing was for the poor.
The French Court’s Royal Ban on Smiles|William O’Connor|December 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But nothing happens and soon Mariame is home, eating dinner with her two little sisters, laughing and acting silly.
‘Girlhood’: Coming of Age in France’s Projects|Molly Hannon|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Lena, Emilia, and I are laughing because we sorted the wig thing out nice and early.
Natalie Dormer Talks ‘Hunger Games,’ Feminism, and Why ‘Game of Thrones’ Needs More Dick|Marlow Stern|November 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For French law enforcement, the evil clowns are, it has to be said, no laughing matter.
French Freak-Out Over Creepy Clowns|Tracy McNicoll|October 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The sun was shining when they arrived at Salon, the gayest, the most coquettish, the most laughing little town in Provence.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
Suddenly she stopped laughing, and said in a low voice, "You don't happen to have a beefsteak about you, do you?"
Davy and The Goblin|Charles E. Carryl
Don't chaff, Shirtings; you're a very good fellow, you know, but I'm not in a laughing humour.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
He could hardly keep from laughing, when it was made clear to him that this was what the Indian father expected.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
I couldn't help laughing, and he made a great many jokes at the expense of the waiters and everybody else.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay