titter

[tit-er]

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

noun

1. a tittering laugh.

titter

/ ˈtɪtə /

verb

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

2. (tr) to express by tittering

noun

1. a suppressed laugh, chuckle, or snigger

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of titter¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of titter¹

C17: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Lady Constance sipped her coffee and tittered politely, although she showed no other sign of having been listening; in fact she seemed half asleep.

Read more on Literature

The titters would feel dismissive, except that they also fit the tone’s grand-scale terror.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"And there was understandably a lot of titters, laughter and giggles - but it's starting to feel like a tangible thing that could actually come to fruition."

Read more on BBC

Mere mention of this ragtag family from the wrong side of the road made all the nieces titter.

Read more on Literature

A three-star review from Empire said the film was "overly reliant" on the sweary letters "with most raising titters rather than laughs".

Read more on BBC