snicker

American  

[snik-er] / ˈsnɪk ər /

verb (used without object)

1. to laugh in a half-suppressed, indecorous or disrespectful manner.

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verb (used with object)

1. to utter with a snicker.

noun

1. a snickering laugh.

snicker British  

/ ˈsnɪkə /

noun

1. a sly or disrespectful laugh, esp one partly stifled

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verb

1. Equivalent term (in Britain and certain other countries): snigger.  to utter such a laugh

2. (of a horse) to whinny

Other Word Forms

• snickeringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of snicker

First recorded in 1685–95; of expressive origin

Example Sentences

I could hear Paulie T. snickering, because he was a punk way back from the beginning.

From Literature

No chuckles, no snickers, not even a cough.

From Salon

She added an eye roll and Han snickered.

From Literature

Owen was snickering now too, and they took a much-needed moment to laugh it out.

From Literature

I hear a snort and a snicker behind me.

From Literature

Related Words

• chortle
• chuckle
• giggle
• laugh
• smirk
• sneer