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
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.
Mills is a nationally touring comedian with more than 30 years of experience bringing laughter to audiences across the country. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026 If laughter is the best medicine, traveling with friends is a close second. — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026 As Reeves performed her rendition of the anthem, the broadcast caught players and fans trying to stifle their laughter. — Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 At one point, a television broadcast showed a player appearing to stifle laughter over the former Martha and the Vandellas frontwoman’s vocal trills during the middle of the performance. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for laughter

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 8 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of laughter for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about laughter

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