laughingstock

noun

laugh·​ing·​stock ˈla-fiŋ-ˌstäk How to pronounce laughingstock (audio)
ˈlä-
Synonyms of laughingstocknext
: an object of ridicule

Synonyms of laughingstock

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Examples of laughingstock in a Sentence

The team has become the laughingstock of the league. The mayor became a laughingstock.
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.
Charlotte has long been a franchise laughingstock, dare say always. — Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 The Knicks went from a laughingstock franchise to one of the league’s elite under Brunson’s watch. — Joe Vardon, New York Times, 11 June 2026 Their antics made Huntington Beach a national laughingstock — but Gates and his pals so far have had the last giggle. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026 His actions have undermined our democracy and made America a laughingstock. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laughingstock

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1518, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laughingstock was circa 1518

Rhymes for laughingstock

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Browse Nearby Words

laughing owl
laughingstock
laughing thrush
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Cite this Entry

“Laughingstock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laughingstock. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

laughingstock

noun
laugh·​ing·​stock ˈlaf-iŋ-ˌstäk How to pronounce laughingstock (audio)
ˈlȧf-
: a person or thing that is made fun of

More from Merriam-Webster on laughingstock

Nglish: Translation of laughingstock for Spanish Speakers

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