laughing jackass

American  

noun

1. kookaburra.

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laughing jackass British  

noun

1. another name for kookaburra

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Etymology

Origin of laughing jackass

First recorded in 1780–90; so called because of its loud braying sound

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

laughing jackass

Not a breath was stirring; and the notes of the laughing jackass and some few small birds, alone showed that there were other beings enjoying the beauty of this august solitude.

From Journal of an Overland Expedition in Australia : from Moreton Bay to Port Essington, a distance of upwards of 3000 miles, during the years 1844-1845 by Ludwig Leichhardt

Its clamorous call is never to be forgotten, more startling than the laughter of the laughing jackass of Australia.

From Through Central Borneo; an Account of Two Years' Travel in the Land of Head-Hunters Between the Years 1913 and 1917 by Carl Lumholtz

Wild wallabies were plentiful round about, and the "laughing jackass" first made himself known to me.

From Ranching, Sport and Travel by Thomas Carson

The laughing jackass, perched upon a bare limb, was awaking the forest echoes with his insane fits of laughter, alternating from a good-humoured chuckle to the frenzied ravings of a despairing maniac.

From Australian Search Party by Henry Walter Bates

The laughing jackass is almost as useful as a clock, and it is called, "the bushman's clock."

From Far Off by Favell Lee Mortimer

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