# laughter

/ˈɫæftɝ/ (US) · /lˈɑːftɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. sound of laughing

noun · CEFR A2

the sound people make when they laugh because something is funny.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. physical act of laughing

noun · CEFR B1

the way your face and body move when you are very happy or amused.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The room was filled with loud laughter.
- Her infectious laughter always makes everyone in the office feel more relaxed during stressful meetings.
- The sudden burst of laughter from the back of the theater momentarily distracted the actors, though they quickly regained their composure and continued the scene.

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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.