Word
laughter
Phoneticslaugh·ter, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫæftɝ/
UK/lˈɑːftɐ/
Definitions
01sound of laughing
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun
n. the sound people make when they laugh because something is funny.
n. the audible sound produced by the rhythmic, vocalised expulsion of air from the lungs, typically signifying amusement.
“The sound of loud laughter came from the kitchen where the friends were cooking.”
“The sudden burst of laughter from the back of the lecture hall disrupted the professor's train of thought and caused several students to turn around.”
02physical act of laughing
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the way your face and body move when you are very happy or amused.
n. the physical manifestation of mirth, involving involuntary muscle contractions of the face and torso.
“Her body shook with laughter as she watched the funny cartoon.”
“The comedian's performance was so effective that the audience was soon doubled over in helpless laughter, unable to catch their breath between jokes.”
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle English laughter, laghter, laȝter, from Old English hleahtor (“laughter, jubilation, derision”), from Proto-Germanic hlahtraz (“laughter”), from Proto-Indo-European klek-, *kleg- (“to shout”). Cognate with German Gelächter (“laughter, hilarity, merriment”), Danish and Norwegian latter (“laughter”), Icelandic hlátur (“laughter”). More at laugh.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
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