guffaw

[ guh-faw, guh- ]
See synonyms for: guffawguffawedguffawing on Thesaurus.com

noun
  1. a loud, unrestrained burst of laughter.

verb (used without object)
  1. to laugh loudly and boisterously.

Origin of guffaw

1
First recorded in 1710–20; perhaps imitative

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use guffaw in a sentence

  • They guffawed that the EU might get the peace prize, but never the Nobel for economics or, indeed, for chemistry.

  • "That's all right, old bangabout," said Abercrombie cordially, and the chorus guffawed their forgiveness.

    Sinister Street, vol. 1 | Compton Mackenzie
  • The fellow looked sheepish, the girl's face was aflame and the tears stood in her eyes, yet the crowd guffawed heartily.

    Robert Annys: Poor Priest | Annie Nathan Meyer
  • Not having the knowledge possessed by Owen, the man guffawed loudly, indicating the gunman.

    The Range Boss | Charles Alden Seltzer
  • The commander guffawed loudly, and, with a parting salute to the ladies, turned on his heel and disappeared up the companionway.

    By Right of Conquest | Arthur Hornblow

British Dictionary definitions for guffaw

guffaw

/ (ɡʌˈfɔː) /


noun
  1. a crude and boisterous laugh

verb
  1. to laugh crudely and boisterously or express (something) in this way

Origin of guffaw

1
C18: of imitative origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012