laughter

[laf-ter, lahf-] /ˈlæf tər, ˈlɑf-/
noun
1.
the action or sound of laughing.
2.
an inner quality, mood, disposition, etc., suggestive of laughter; mirthfulness:
a man of laughter and goodwill.
3.
an expression or appearance of merriment or amusement.
4.
Archaic. an object of laughter; subject or matter for amusement.
Origin
before 900; Middle English; Old English hleahtor; cognate with Old High German hlahtar, Old Norse hlātr; see laugh
Related forms
laughterless, adjective
Examples from the web for laughter
  • The audience at the law school can be heard breaking out in laughter.
  • Soon enough the gentle sounds of the canyon were mingling with the happy laughter of children.
  • laughter with friends releases endorphins, the brain's.
  • laughter spreads through the room, and even a chuckle can be heard from the usually aloof king.
  • But when a certain writer pulled off a sick pogo butterfly move, the only thing it garnered was derisive laughter.
  • Granted, laughter comes easy when you reach this level.
  • If you stop talking then little conversations will break out, and then full-fledged laughter and debates.
  • laughter and cheers cause a buzz of activity in brain regions that control facial movement.
  • Her off-tune singing, burps between breaths and rhythmic fish-swallowing has the crowd roaring with laughter.
  • Their marriage was a loving one filled with joy, laughter and mutual devotion.
British Dictionary definitions for laughter

laughter

/ˈlɑːftə/
noun
1.
the action of or noise produced by laughing
2.
the experience or manifestation of mirth, amusement, scorn, or joy
Word Origin
Old English hleahtor; related to Old Norse hlātr
Word Origin and History for laughter
n.

late 14c., from Old English hleahtor, from Proto-Germanic *hlahtraz (cf. Old Norse hlatr, Danish latter, Old High German lahtar, German Gelächter); see laugh (v.).