WordGarden.iolaugh
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɑːf/
US
- /ˈlæf/
Meanings
Verb
to make the sounds and movements of amusement or pleasure
to mock or treat someone or something as ridiculous by laughing
Noun
an act or sound of laughing
Beyond the definition
To laugh is to show joy or amusement with sound, often in a burst of happy noise. It is not just a physical reaction; it is often social too. We laugh with other people and share a light moment together. A big belly laugh can feel great, while a nervous chuckle can show unease. You might laugh at a joke, or even laugh until you cry. Sometimes people laugh in hard situations because it helps release tension. Think about the sound of children laughing; many people hear it as a simple sign of happiness.
Laughter is the physical expression of joy, amusement, or delight, usually heard as vocal sounds and often seen with a smile. It is a basic human behavior with deep social and emotional roots. We laugh at jokes, funny situations, playful moments, and sometimes even when we are nervous or uncomfortable, which is often called nervous laughter.
The way someone laughs can tell you a lot about the moment and about the person. A quiet chuckle suggests mild amusement, while a loud guffaw shows strong, open joy. A forced laugh might simply be polite rather than real.
People have long seen laughter as good for both body and mind. It can release endorphins, which help improve mood, and it can strengthen social bonds. In stories, laughter often reveals character or helps set the mood. Think of the playful laughter in Shakespeare's comedies, or the unsettling laughter of a villain.
Beyond being a verb ("She laughed at his silly joke"), "laugh" can also be used as a noun: "His infectious laugh filled the room." Or you might say something is "no laughing matter" – meaning it is a serious situation that should not be treated with humor.
So, whether it is a gentle giggle or a roaring belly laugh, laughter is a powerful expression of human feeling, connection, and joy, a sound that carries across cultures and generations.
Examples
- 1
Baby reaction
The baby laughed when her brother made a funny face.
- 2
Story response
Everyone laughed at his story.
- 3
Embarrassment
Please don't laugh at me; I'm trying my best.
- Patternlaugh at + person
make them feel silly or embarrassed
- 4
Shared memory
We still laugh about that trip years later.
- Patternlaugh about + event
talk or think about it as funny
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Movie reaction
She couldn't stop laughing during the movie.
- 6
Dry humor
His dry comments always make me laugh.
- 7
Nervous reaction
He gave a nervous laugh before answering.
- 8
Shared fun
We had a good laugh about the old photos.
- Phrasehave a laugh
enjoy something funny together
- 9
Minimizing a mistake
She tried to laugh off the mistake, but she was clearly upset.
- Patternlaugh X off
act as if X is not serious
- 10
Serious issue
Budget cuts in hospitals are no laughing matter.
- Phraseno laughing matter
something serious
- 11
Embarrassing admission
Don't laugh, but I forgot my own phone number.
- PhraseDon't laugh, but...
said before admitting something embarrassing
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- laughnounverb
Forms
- laughing-ing formverbnoun
- laughedpast tenseverbnoun
- laughspluralnounverb