cackle

1 of 2

verb

cack·​le ˈka-kəl How to pronounce cackle (audio)
cackled; cackling ˈka-k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce cackle (audio)
Synonyms of cacklenext

intransitive verb

1
: to make the sharp broken noise or cry characteristic of a hen especially after laying
2
: to laugh especially in a harsh or sharp manner
… Shakespeare's crones cackled of evil deeds …—Scott McMurray
3
: chatter
cackle noun
cackler
ˈka-k(ə-)lər How to pronounce cackle (audio)
noun

cackler

2 of 2

noun

cack·​ler ˈka-k(ə-)lər How to pronounce cackler (audio)
plural -s
: one that cackles
specifically : babbler sense 2

Synonyms of cackle

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Verb

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Examples of cackle in a Sentence

Verb The hens were cackling in the henhouse. I could hear my aunts cackling in the next room.
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 women all cackled in unison. — Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 5 Feb. 2026 To write, especially in a first draft, is to submit myself to the mangy, cackling glory of not knowing. — Literary Hub, 17 Apr. 2026 The shocker, of course, is activated via remote control, held by a cackling Knoxville. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026 Earlier, Mitchell’s Avdotya has attacked him with a pillow, railing and cackling. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cackle

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English cakelen, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1598, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cackle was in the 13th century

Rhymes for cackle

See All Rhymes for cackle

Browse Nearby Words

cack-handed
cackle
cackler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cackle. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cackle

verb
cack·​le ˈkak-əl How to pronounce cackle (audio)
cackled; cackling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce cackle (audio)
1
: to make the sharp broken noise or cry that a hen makes especially after laying an egg
2
: to laugh or chatter noisily
cackle noun
cackler
-(ə-)lər How to pronounce cackle (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on cackle

Nglish: Translation of cackle for Spanish Speakers

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