# laugh

/ˈɫæf/ (US) · /lˈɑːf/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/laugh
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to show mirth

verb · CEFR A1

to make a sound and move your face because you are happy or think something is funny.

For teachers: to express amusement or mirth through spontaneous vocal sounds and facial movements. Intransitive, often taking the preposition 'at'.

- The children started to laugh when the clown did a silly dance.
- The audience laughed uproariously at the comedian's sharp observations, filling the small theatre with a contagious energy.

### 2. to mock

verb · CEFR B1

to make fun of someone or something in an unkind way.

For teachers: to treat someone or something with ridicule or derision. Usually takes the preposition 'at'.

- It is not nice to laugh at people when they make a mistake.
- Critics laughed at the director's ambitious vision when the film first debuted, though it later became a cult classic.

### 3. the sound of laughter

noun · CEFR A1

the sound you make when you are laughing.

For teachers: the audible manifestation of laughing; a vocal expression of amusement.

- I heard a loud laugh coming from the other room.
- Her distinctive, melodic laugh could be heard across the crowded gala, acting as a beacon for her friends.

### 4. a fun person or thing

noun · CEFR B1 · British English · Informal

a person or situation that is very fun or funny.

For teachers: a person, event, or situation that provides amusement or entertainment. Often used in the phrase 'a good laugh'.

- You should invite Sarah to the party; she is a great laugh.
- The weekend trip was a real laugh, providing a much-needed break from the intensity of the office environment.

## Examples

- She gave a loud laugh at his joke.
- We had a good laugh about the misunderstanding once we realized everyone was safe.
- The comedian's performance was met with a sudden burst of laugher that rippled through the audience, breaking the tension of the previous act.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.