adj
Common
laughing
LAH-fihng
Laughing (adj) means making the sound or expression of laughter. Example: “The children came running in, laughing and out of breath.”
adj
1
Making the sound or expression of laughter.
"The children came running in, laughing and out of breath."
"A laughing crowd gathered around the street performer."
"Everyone in the room turned to look at the laughing baby."
How to use laughing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribing someone (or something) in the act of laughing.
Common pairings
laughing gas
laughing stock
laughing out loud
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The children came running in, _____ and out of breath.
Etymology
From Middle English laughynge, the -ing form of laugh.
Related words
Rhymes for laughing
See all rhymes for laughing →Frequently asked questions
What does “laughing” mean?
The word “laughing” means making the sound or expression of laughter. In plain terms, describing someone (or something) in the act of laughing.
How do you pronounce “laughing”?
“Laughing” is pronounced LAH-fihng (/ˈlɑːfɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “laughing” in a sentence?
Here is “laughing” used in a sentence: “The children came running in, laughing and out of breath.”
What part of speech is “laughing”?
“Laughing” is an adjective.
Where does the word “laughing” come from?
The word “laughing” comes from Middle English. From Middle English laughynge, the -ing form of laugh.
Is “laughing” a common word?
“Laughing” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between laughing and smiling?
Laughing is active and audible — the sound and movement that burst out with genuine amusement or joy. Smiling is quiet and still, just the upward curve of the mouth. A smile can be polite or faint, but laughing usually signals stronger, more spontaneous delight that you can actually hear.
What does 'no laughing matter' mean?
It means something serious that should not be joked about or taken lightly. Despite containing "laughing," the phrase insists on the opposite — that the situation deserves concern, not amusement. You might say a rise in costs is "no laughing matter" to stress how genuinely serious it is.
What is laughing gas?
Laughing gas is the common name for nitrous oxide, a gas sometimes used in medicine and dentistry to ease pain and anxiety. It earned the name because it can produce giddy, light-headed feelings and even fits of laughter. Here "laughing" describes the effect the gas is known for.
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