titter

American  

[tit-er] / ˈtɪt ər /

verb (used without object)

1. to laugh in a restrained, self-conscious, or affected way, as from nervousness or in ill-suppressed amusement.

   Synonyms:

   giggle, snigger, snicker

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noun

1. a tittering laugh.

titter British  

/ ˈtɪtə /

verb

1. (intr) to snigger, esp derisively or in a suppressed way

2. (tr) to express by tittering

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noun

1. a suppressed laugh, chuckle, or snigger

Other Word Forms

• titterer noun
• tittering adjective
• titteringly adverb
• untittering adjective

Etymology

Origin of titter

1610–20; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Old Norse tittra to quiver, Swedish (dial.) tittra to giggle

Explanation

A titter is an awkward laugh at something that you shouldn’t be laughing at, like during dinner when Uncle Marvin makes a joke about your mother’s new hairstyle. If you try to hide your laugh, it’s probably a titter. A laugh that you can’t keep in but also can’t let out, that’s a titter. It usually happens in situations where you shouldn’t be laughing, like listening to your English teacher talk about a date he went on the night before, or when someone tells you a joke in a library. A titter is kinder than a snicker, less noticeable than a giggle, quieter than a chuckle, and way less fun than a chortle. Life’s a joke, laugh it up!

Example Sentences

There’s not much more to say without giving it all away, so prepare to titter, gasp, scream and cheer for this juicy slice of indulgent women’s entertainment.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

The score, by Amelia Warner, announces when to titter and when to swoon.

From New York Times • Jun. 30, 2022

But titter not, lest you be tittered, it’s back tomorrow and the cold turkey will be brief.

From The Guardian • Feb. 5, 2021

By the time the first half of the film had been unfolded yesterday the spectators were beginning to titter gently.

From Slate • Dec. 31, 2019

Ser Axell grimaced in disgust, Ser Brus gave a nervous titter, Ser Narbert said, “I had been told all the giants were dead.”

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin