snicker

1 of 2

verb

snick·​er ˈsni-kər How to pronounce snicker (audio)
snickered; snickering ˈsni-k(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce snicker (audio)
Synonyms of snicker

intransitive verb

: to laugh in a covert or partly suppressed manner : titter
snickerer
ˈsni-kər-ər How to pronounce snicker (audio)
noun
snickery
ˈsni-k(ə-)rē How to pronounce snicker (audio)
adjective

snicker

2 of 2

noun

: an act or sound of snickering

Synonyms of snicker

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Verb

Noun

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Examples of snicker in a Sentence

Verb he snickered at the puzzled look on her face Noun a snicker of derision when we heard their offer on the house
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.
Verb
The two girls snickered over the idea of Jacqueline screaming out the candy mid-scene. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 2 Dec. 2025 Early never makes fun of Maddie, never lets the audience snicker at the screen. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
Noun
The grown-ups in the audience snicker. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026 While there were a few snickers, the photographers obliged and got their photos. — Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for snicker

Word History

Etymology

Verb

origin unknown

First Known Use

Verb

1694, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of snicker was in 1694

Rhymes for snicker

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Browse Nearby Words

snick
snicker
snickerdoodle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

snicker

1 of 2 verb
snick·​er ˈsnik-ər How to pronounce snicker (audio)
snickered; snickering -(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce snicker (audio)
: to give a small and often mean or sly laugh

snicker

2 of 2 noun
: an act or sound of snickering

More from Merriam-Webster on snicker

Nglish: Translation of snicker for Spanish Speakers

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