cackle
Cackle (noun) means a harsh, broken sound like a hen's cry, or a laugh that sounds similar. Example: “Her cackle carried across the whole restaurant.”
How to use cackle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA harsh, cracked laugh or cry, like the noise a hen makes.
Word forms
cackled past tense, cackles plural, cackles singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ carried across the whole restaurant.
Etymology
From Middle English caclen/cakelen, likely echoing the sound itself, related to Dutch kakelen and German Low German kakeln, all meaning "to cackle."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for cackle
See all rhymes for cackle →Frequently asked questions
What does “cackle” mean?
The word “cackle” means a harsh, broken sound like a hen's cry, or a laugh that sounds similar. In plain terms, a harsh, cracked laugh or cry, like the noise a hen makes.
How do you pronounce “cackle”?
“Cackle” is pronounced KA-kuhl (/ˈkækəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “cackle” in a sentence?
Here is “cackle” used in a sentence: “Her cackle carried across the whole restaurant.”
What part of speech is “cackle”?
Depending on how it is used, “cackle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “cackle” come from?
The word “cackle” comes from Middle English. From Middle English caclen/cakelen, likely echoing the sound itself, related to Dutch kakelen and German Low German kakeln, all meaning "to cackle.".
How many meanings does “cackle” have?
“Cackle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a harsh, broken sound like a hen's cry, or a laugh that sounds similar.