laughs

laughs · verb/noun

imported

Definitions

verb/noun

  1. 1.

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

  2. 2.

    The sounds or acts of laughing.

  3. 3.

    To express scorn or ridicule through laughter.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    he who laughs last laughs longest — the person who succeeds in the end is the true winner
  • •
    laughs off — dismisses something by treating it lightly
  • •
    gets the last laughs — ultimately triumphs after initial setbacks
  • •
    laughs all the way to the bank — makes a lot of money despite criticism

Related words

Antonyms: cries, sobs, weeps
See also: chuckle, laugh, laughing, laughter
Synonyms: chuckles, giggles, snickers

Etymology

From Old English hlæhhan ("to laugh"), from Proto-Germanic hlahjaną. Related to Dutch lachen and German lachen. The spelling with "gh" reflects a Middle English scribal convention.