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.
Another Telugu song centers on Lakshmana’s sudden laughter in the royal court of Ayodhya following their return. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 Nick then did a slow, dramatic reading of each line of the text, with the collective laughter rising with each line. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026 Much of Modi’s comedy centers on differences between various kinds of Jews, a friction that elicits knowing laughters from his (largely, but not wholly) Jewish audience. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2026 Curiously, the same thing happened to Altobelli, and the two of us ended up breaking into a clamorous chorus of laughter, confirming our complicity, especially when laughing at one of our idols. — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 27 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 1 Nov. 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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