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

Harvey, who sat next to the King, said he seemed like a "true enthusiast of the theatre" and was "laughing away" during the performance.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

“I caught myself laughing out loud as they blasted through their set,” Robinson says.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

One hyper-realistic AI video circulating on Elon Musk's platform X purports to show the pair laughing and drinking wine at a restaurant, with a voiceover claiming "they are on a date."

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

"Young Reble," she says, laughing softly, "was always by herself. No friends. Sitting in one corner. Everybody was like, who's that weird girl?"

From BBC • May 15, 2026

I bite my lip so I won’t give him the satisfaction of laughing.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• humorous