last laugh

noun

: the satisfaction of ultimate triumph or success especially after being scorned or regarded as a failure
he got the last laugh on his early critics

Examples of last laugh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Now, Misael does indeed get his last laugh. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 16 May 2026 Durant seemed to relish getting a last laugh of sorts. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025 Even in beating Leeds 3-0 on the day, there would be no last laugh for anyone in claret and blue. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 25 May 2026 Your extended last laugh on Too Old to Die Young still haunts me. — Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for last laugh

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of last laugh was in 1872

Rhymes for last laugh

See All Rhymes for last laugh

Browse Nearby Words

Last Judgment
last laugh
lastly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Last laugh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/last%20laugh. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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