Giggle
'ɡɪɡəl
Definitions
2 meaningsTo laugh lightly and repeatedly, usually in a silly way.
'ɡɪɡəl
To laugh lightly and repeatedly, often in a suppressed or silly way.
The students giggled when the teacher tripped.
💡 Simply: Giggle is like a little, quick laugh, often when something is funny or a little bit secret. Like when your friend tells a joke, and you cover your mouth to keep from laughing too loud.
👶 For kids: To giggle is like making a little, happy laugh sound, like 'hee hee'!
More Examples
She giggled at the cat videos.
He couldn't help but giggle during the serious meeting.
How It's Used
"Children often giggle when they are tickled."
"She giggled at the comedian's jokes."
A light, repeated laugh.
'ɡɪɡəl
A giggle escaped her as she remembered the funny story.
💡 Simply: A giggle is the sound you make when you giggle. Like a little burst of happy sound.
👶 For kids: A giggle is the sound you make when you giggle!
More Examples
The baby let out a cute little giggle.
The sound of giggles filled the classroom during recess.
How It's Used
"A giggle escaped her lips."
"There was a ripple of giggles in the room."
Idioms & expressions
giggle with glee
To laugh with intense pleasure or delight.
"She giggled with glee when she unwrapped the surprise gift."
giggle fit
A prolonged period of uncontrollable giggling.
"The comedian's jokes caused the audience to break into a giggle fit."
The origin of 'giggle' is imitative, arising from the sound of a light, uncontrolled laugh. It's related to similar words across various languages, suggesting an intuitive connection between the sound and the act.
The word 'giggle' has existed since the early 16th century, and its usage has remained relatively consistent, representing a form of light, often suppressed laughter.
Memory tip
Imagine a silly goose, quickly bursting into laughter – giggle!