laugh

UK: lɑːf | US: læf

Definition

  1. v. to make sounds or movements with the face and body showing amusement or joy

  2. n. the act or sound of laughing

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "laugh" traces back to Old English hlæhhan, a verb of Germanic origin, related to Dutch lachen and German lachen. Its Proto-Germanic root klakhjan likely imitated the sound of laughter, making it onomatopoeic. Over time, the spelling simplified, but the core meaning—expressing joy through sound—remained unchanged.

Examples

  1. The joke made everyone laugh loudly.

  2. Her laugh was contagious, brightening the room.

  3. He tried to suppress a laugh during the serious meeting.

  4. Children’s laughter echoed across the playground.

  5. She laughed at the memory of their silly adventure.