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

“My son, he’s 21, cooks such a good burger, and if I say that I prefer In-N-Out, he might stop making me burgers,” Harding said, laughing.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

It was only when they'd finished eating and drinking, laughing and joking, that they came filing back on to the coach.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

I don’t find myself laughing out loud very much anymore.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

When asked what it felt like to beat Sutton at predictions, AI claimed it didn't feel anything - but still appeared to be laughing at him.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

When she reached him, he grabbed hold of the handlebars and she dismounted, falling against him as they both stood there, laughing.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

Related Words

• humorous