belly laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

"belly laugh" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically refers to a deep, hearty laugh and is often used to describe a particularly loud or exaggerated laugh. For example, "The comedian's joke elicited a huge belly laugh from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A belly laugh.

The Guardian

It's literally a belly laugh.

The New York Times

A belly laugh was a fat man.

The New York Times - Arts

"Brown," he said with a belly laugh.

The New York Times - Sports

He answers with a belly laugh.

The New York Times

A belly laugh rose up from all seven continents.

The New York Times

Told of McCaw's regrets, Saenz couldn't stifle a belly laugh.

The New York Times - Sports

Mourning smiled as Russell unleashed another cackling belly laugh.

The New York Times - Sports

Here he broke into a belly laugh worthy of Falstaff.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's belly-laugh-inducing. Sam Lipsyte funny.

The New York Times - Books

I did my first proper belly-laugh when I was two.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In writing dialogue, use "belly laugh" to add characterization and indicate a person's sense of humor or reaction to a situation. It can reveal their personality and make the scene more engaging.

Common error

While "belly laugh" effectively conveys strong amusement, its informal nature may not suit professional or academic writing. In formal settings, consider more restrained alternatives like "hearty laughter" or simply "laughter" to maintain the appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "belly laugh" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a deep and unrestrained laugh. It can also function as a verb, meaning to laugh in such a manner. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Huffington Post

8%

The Guardian

4%

Less common in

TechCrunch

1.6%

WikiHow

1.6%

Vice

1.6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "belly laugh" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a deep, hearty, and unrestrained laugh. Ludwig AI confirms this usage. While mostly found in informal contexts like News & Media, it effectively conveys genuine amusement. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "hearty laughter". The phrase's vivid imagery and emotional impact make it a valuable tool for writers seeking to enhance their descriptions and characterizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncontrollable laughter

Emphasizes the inability to stop laughing, highlighting the overwhelming and irrepressible nature of the amusement.

uproarious laughter

Emphasizes the extreme amusement and noise level of the laughter, implying a situation that is highly comical and infectious.

roar of laughter

Implies a loud, deep, and sustained sound of laughter, indicative of overwhelming amusement and mirth.

hearty laugh

Focuses on the genuine and sincere nature of the laugh, emphasizing its warmth and lack of reservation.

gales of laughter

Paints a picture of uncontrollable and unrestrained laughter, as powerful and sweeping as a strong wind.

burst of laughter

Captures the sudden and spontaneous eruption of laughter, suggesting an immediate and involuntary reaction to something funny.

howl of laughter

Highlights the wild and unrestrained nature of the laughter, resembling the sound of a howl, often suggesting intense amusement.

fit of laughter

Describes a period of sustained and intense laughter, almost like an uncontrollable episode or seizure of amusement.

boisterous laughter

Highlights the loud, energetic, and exuberant quality of the laughter, often suggesting a lively atmosphere.

peal of laughter

Suggests a ringing, clear, and resonant quality of laughter, often associated with joy and merriment.

FAQs

What does "belly laugh" mean?

A "belly laugh" is a deep, hearty laugh that comes from deep within the body, suggesting unrestrained and genuine amusement.

What can I say instead of "belly laugh"?

You can use alternatives like "hearty laugh", "uproarious laughter", or "burst of laughter" depending on the context.

How can I use "belly laugh" in a sentence?

Example: "The comedian's joke elicited a huge belly laugh from the audience". Another example: "She leaned back and gave a massive belly laugh".

Is "belly laugh" appropriate for formal writing?

While "belly laugh" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "hearty laughter" or simply "laughter".