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 hear a snort and a snicker behind me.

From Literature

The twins snickered, but their mother silenced them with a hiss.

From Literature

I can also explain why, despite the snickers and stares and perpetually blooming bruises, it’s still worth it.

From The Wall Street Journal

And that Americans can still snicker in the face of official wrong — and should.

From Los Angeles Times

There now seems to be a bit of snickering immaturity in the film’s garish period trappings, though the emotional acuity and empathetic consideration of even the most minor of characters still makes “Boogie Nights” remarkable.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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