guffaw
guffaw / guffaw
Intransitive VerbNoun
pl: guffawspast: guffawedpp: guffaweding: guffawing
This word describes a specific type of laughter that is explosive and lacks inhibition. It carries a connotation of loudness and lack of refinement, often suggesting a sudden, visceral reaction rather than a polite or controlled chuckle. It is typically used in contexts where the laughter is disruptive or overwhelmingly hearty. As a noun, it refers to the single burst of sound itself. While it can be pluralized, it is most frequently encountered in the singular to describe a specific instance of an eruption of laughter.
Meanings
Intransitive Verbguffaw
[~]
To laugh loudly and boisterously.
"He guffawed at the absurdity of the situation."
Nounguffaw
A loud and boisterous burst of laughter.
"A sudden guffaw erupted from the back of the room."