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

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

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

From Literature

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

From 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."

From BBC

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

From Literature