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; laugh, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Littler responded to Van Veen's quotes with laughing emojis on his Instagram story, also posting an image showing the PDC titles he has won over the past two years.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

“I don’t think I’m my ancestors wildest dream, I think I’m their worst nightmare because I’m gay and I do comedy,” Zaalan says, laughing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

We were able to see it work, and we were laughing.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

"You're not meant to be laughing, but you can see all your mates trying to make you laugh, and they've got that twinkle in their eye," she says.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

‘Snap!’ she says, and we both burst out laughing.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

• humorous