Laugh
/læf/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make sounds and movements of the face and body that show you think something is funny or enjoyable.
/læf/
To express amusement or happiness with a sound and a facial expression.
The children laughed with delight when they saw the clown.
💡 Simply: When something's super funny, you make a special sound called a laugh! Like, when your friend tells a silly joke, you might laugh.
👶 For kids: To make a happy sound because something is funny.
More Examples
I couldn't help but laugh at his silly antics.
She laughed at the absurdity of the situation.
How It's Used
"She laughed at the comedian's jokes."
"We all laughed heartily during the movie."
The sound or expression made when you find something funny.
/læf/
The act or sound of expressing amusement or happiness.
Her hearty laugh filled the room.
💡 Simply: It's the sound you make when something is funny! Like when someone tells a great joke, the 'laugh' is the sound you make in response.
👶 For kids: The sound you make when you think something is funny.
More Examples
The comedian's jokes brought peals of laughter.
A nervous laugh escaped her lips.
How It's Used
"Her laugh was infectious; it made everyone happy."
"The comedy show brought forth a lot of laughter."
Idioms & expressions
Laughing matter
Something serious; not to be taken lightly.
"The financial situation is no laughing matter."
Laugh someone out of court
To dismiss or reject someone's ideas or claims because they are considered absurd or ridiculous.
"They tried to present the evidence, but the lawyers laughed them out of court."
have the last laugh
To ultimately succeed, especially after being initially ridiculed or disadvantaged.
"Though many doubted her at first, she had the last laugh when her invention became a success."
laugh up your sleeve
To secretly enjoy a situation, or to be amused by something that is happening without showing it.
"He was laughing up his sleeve while his opponent struggled, as he knew a secret that would win him the game."
From Old English *hlahhan* (strong verb, past tense *hlōh*, past participle *hloʒen*), Proto-Germanic *hlakkaną* (compare Dutch *lachen*, German *lachen*).
Used similarly since Old English; often used in literature to describe characters' emotional states.
Memory tip
Think of a joyful sound escaping your throat; that's laughing!