laughter

American  

[laf-ter, lahf-] / ˈlæf tər, ˈlɑf- /

noun

1. the action or sound of laughing. laughing.

2. an inner quality, mood, disposition, etc., suggestive of laughter; mirthfulness.

   a man of laughter and goodwill.

3. an expression or appearance of merriment or amusement.

4. Archaic. an object of laughter; subject or matter for amusement.

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laughter British  

/ ˈlɑːftə /

noun

1. the action of or noise produced by laughing

2. the experience or manifestation of mirth, amusement, scorn, or joy

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Other Word Forms

• laughterless adjective

Etymology

Origin of laughter

before 900; Middle English; Old English hleahtor; cognate with Old High German hlahtar, Old Norse hlātr; laugh

Example Sentences

Tkachuk explained the wonderful relationship between the men’s and women’s Olympics players while expressing regret at the laughter.

From Los Angeles Times

The Underhill home filled with laughter as young nieces and nephews came for long visits.

From Literature

Some also make that claim about laughter, although “Scrubs” proves humor to be more of a coping tool than a cure.

From Salon

Robinson chuckles as canned laughter from the soundboard fills the room.

From Los Angeles Times

“A family meeting has not been successful unless there’s been laughter and tears,” Kanter said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• amusement
• chuckle
• giggle
• glee
• guffaw
• hilarity
• laugh
• mirth
• roar
• shout
• shriek
• snicker