laughter

noun

laugh·​ter ˈlaf-tər How to pronounce laughter (audio)
ˈläf-
Synonyms of laughternext
1
: a sound of or as if of laughing
2
archaic : a cause of merriment

Synonyms of laughter

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Examples of laughter in a Sentence

The audience roared with laughter. the nervous producers were reassured by the sounds of laughter coming from the theater
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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.
Crystal is the rare talent who always has been able to dispense the warmth of laughter and then immediately unplug the flow of treacle. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 In 1972, William Greaves brought together an extraordinary gathering of surviving artists, writers, and cultural luminaries of the Harlem Renaissance at Duke Ellington’s townhouse for an afternoon of debate, reflection, laughter, and exchange. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 The pair barely crack more than a perfunctory smirk, in stark contrast to the uproarious laughter emanating from Fielder’s laptop screen. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026 On the other, evidence suggests this pair of habitual time-wasters were commonly found on the floor, running laughter through a Yamaha SPX90 effects processor for kicks and strumming the same note for 40-odd minutes. — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laughter

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hleahtor; akin to Old English hliehhan

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of laughter was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing laughter

Rhymes for laughter

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Browse Nearby Words

laughsome
laughter
laughterless
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Cite this Entry

“Laughter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laughter. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

laughter

noun
laugh·​ter ˈlaf-tər How to pronounce laughter (audio)
ˈlȧf-
: the action or sound of laughing

More from Merriam-Webster on laughter

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about laughter

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