laugh

laugh · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Make the sounds and movements of the face and body that express amusement or happiness.

  2. 2.

    Dismiss something with amusement or scorn.

  3. 3.

    An act or sound of laughing.

  4. 4.

    **(informal)** Something that causes amusement.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    laugh out loud — Laugh audibly (abbreviated LOL).
  • •
    have the last laugh — Ultimately succeed or be vindicated.
  • •
    laugh all the way to the bank — Make a lot of money.
  • •
    laugh in someone's face — Show open contempt.
  • •
    laugh off — Dismiss something as unimportant.
  • •
    no laughing matter — Something serious.
  • •
    laugh your head off — Laugh very hard.
  • •
    for a laugh — For fun or amusement.
  • •
    laugh at — Find funny; mock or ridicule.

Related words

Antonyms: cry, sob, weep
See also: chuckle, giggle, humor, laughter, smile
Synonyms: cackle, chuckle, giggle, snicker

Etymology

From Old English hlæhhan ("to laugh"), from Proto-Germanic hlahjaną. Related to German lachen, Dutch lachen, and Old Norse hlæja. The spelling with "gh" represents a sound that was once pronounced but is now silent.