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.
Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend. — ABC News, 30 July 2026 Despite being confined to her bed, covered in tubes, tangled in wires, despite being separated by gloves and masks and isolation gowns, our laughter permeated all those barriers. — Anna Tsioulias, STAT, 29 July 2026 More than just the thrill of victory, the docuseries examines the camaraderie and team effort, laughter and moments of tension and the looming challenge during a campaign when many even in Spain saw France as the favorite. — Ed Meza, Variety, 24 July 2026 Someone has probably told you that laughter is the best medicine, but in Cat Cohen’s case, a combination of arthroscopic heart surgery and actual, honest-to-God confronting her feelings onstage has proven an effective long-term care plan. — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 24 July 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 4 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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