laughing

American  

[laf-ing, lah-fing] / ˈlæf ɪŋ, ˈlɑ fɪŋ /

adjective

1. that laughs or is given to laughter.

   a laughing child.

2. uttering sounds like human laughter, as some birds.

3. suggesting laughter by brightness, color, sound, etc..

   a laughing stream; laughing flowers.

4. laughable.

   The increase in crime is no laughing matter.

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noun

1. laughter.

Other Word Forms

• laughingly
  adverb
• unlaughing
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of laughing

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at laugh, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Excessive laughter, he noted, can come from a feeling of superiority, nervousness in uncomfortable moments or peer pressure when others are laughing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Minutes earlier, the charismatic frontwoman of 4 Non Blondes had been laughing and smiling with her bandmates, performing new material and a pair of favorites including their 1993 hit “What’s Up?”

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Gamble’s attorney, David Gespass, had already reminded me that morning that this was not a laughing matter for Gamble, who was facing jail time.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

When Malik realised the photo was still on WhatsApp and warned Manning, he replied with three laughing face emojis.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

It’s them – Karly and the others – screaming and laughing.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

• humorous