lol

The word “lol” means used in writing to show that something is funny or that a message is meant light-heartedly. In plain terms, a texting shorthand for laughter or amusement — often used even when the person isn't actually laughing.

“Lol” is pronounced ehl-oh-EHL (/ɛl.oʊˈɛl/ in IPA).

Here is “lol” used in a sentence: “I forgot my own birthday, lol.”

Depending on how it is used, “lol” can be an interjection and a verb.

The word “lol” dates back to around 1989. An acronym for "laughing out loud," said to have been coined by a Canadian user named Wayne Pearson in the early-to-mid 1980s and first recorded in writing in 1989.

“Lol” is a very common word in modern English.

“Lol” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used in writing to show that something is funny or that a message is meant light-heartedly.

"Lol" stands for "laughing out loud." People type it in messages and online posts to show that something is funny or that a remark is meant light-heartedly rather than seriously. Over time it has softened, and many now use it simply to keep a message friendly, even when they are not literally laughing.

Both signal laughter in writing. "Lol" (laughing out loud) is mild and general-purpose, often just marking a friendly or joking tone. "Lmao" suggests stronger, harder laughter at something genuinely funny. "Lol" is the gentler, more neutral of the two and suits a wider range of everyday messages.

"Lol" is highly informal. It belongs to texting, chat, social media, and casual messaging between friends. Avoid it in formal writing, professional emails, essays, or business communication, where it looks unprofessional. In relaxed digital conversation, however, it is one of the most common and widely understood expressions.