English Reference

Word

giggles

Phoneticsgig·gles

US/ˈɡɪɡəɫz/

UK/ɡˈɪɡəlz/

Definition

n. a state where you cannot stop laughing, often at something silly or at the wrong time.

n. a state of uncontrollable, nervous, or silly laughter, often occurring in inappropriate contexts.

Examples

“The children had a bad case of the giggles during the movie.”

“Even though the situation was serious, the two friends couldn't stop the giggles once they started.”

“A sudden wave of the giggles swept through the back row of the choir, threatening to derail the entire performance of the solemn hymn.”

Examples

simple

“The children had a bad case of the giggles during the movie.”

contextual

“Even though the situation was serious, the two friends couldn't stop the giggles once they started.”

complex

“A sudden wave of the giggles swept through the back row of the choir, threatening to derail the entire performance of the solemn hymn.”

Usage

Usually used with 'the' as in 'get the giggles' or 'have the giggles'.

Synonyms

Idioms

kicks and giggles — Amusement without any serious purpose; fun.

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated
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Informal

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