giggle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'giggle' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the sound that someone makes when they are laughing in a high-pitched, silly way. For example: The children couldn't contain their excitement, and they all started to giggle with joy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Somebody who was there to have fun and a giggle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bray added: "In the end it was in a very obvious place so most people would just walk past oblivious, which would always make me giggle.

The Guardian - Arts

I giggle like a child in the afternoon sun, feeling naughty for being so peaceful.

The Guardian - Travel

She could giggle like a girl and down her drinks like a man; was convivial, mischievous and often merry.

The Guardian - Arts

When the whistle went, the best man had won and covering his mouth to avoid the lip-readers, close to breaking into a giggle, Ramos could only offer his hand and his congratulations.

The Guardian - Sport

To calm things down a little, have a listen to Chicago's magic piano or have a giggle as we find out why the Germans love English markets.

The Guardian

These days, we might giggle at these kitschy Big Things, but these outsize odes to local industry, lovingly fashioned out of chicken wire and cement, had a role to play.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The misbehaving new SNP MPs, branded "goons" by Gerald Kaufman, have been making me giggle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Faint hasn't given up on clowning now he has stopped his giggle doctoring, but plans to take it into new areas.

The Guardian

Is that the giggle of a man who has just got his pull quote?

The Guardian - Music

But we visited the glamorous cave village of Oia every day, just to swoon, and sigh, and make each other giggle, and take photos, and swoon again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "giggle" to describe a light, often childish, form of laughter. It is suitable for informal contexts and can convey amusement, nervousness, or silliness. Consider the context to ensure it fits the tone.

Common error

Avoid using "giggle" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated terms like "chuckle" or "soft laugh" to maintain a professional tone. Using "giggle" in inappropriate contexts can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The word "giggle" functions primarily as a noun or a verb. As a verb, it describes the act of laughing in a silly or high-pitched way. As a noun, it refers to the sound itself or the amusement it expresses. Ludwig AI validates its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "giggle" is a versatile term used to describe a light, often high-pitched, form of laughter. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. As both a noun and a verb, "giggle" conveys amusement, nervousness, or silliness. While generally informal, it can appear in neutral contexts. When writing, be mindful of the tone and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "chuckle" in professional settings. Related phrases include "chuckle", "titter", and "snicker", each with slightly different nuances. By understanding these subtleties, you can effectively use "giggle" and its alternatives to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chuckle

Implies a quiet, contained laugh, often expressing satisfaction or amusement.

titter

Suggests a nervous or suppressed laugh, often high-pitched.

snicker

Indicates a disrespectful or mocking laugh.

chortle

Represents a gleeful, chuckling sound.

laugh softly

Describes a gentle and quiet expression of amusement.

smirk

Conveys a smug or conceited smile, sometimes with a hint of amusement.

beam

Indicates a radiant smile, often expressing happiness or approval.

simper

Suggests a silly or affected smile, often coy or ingratiating.

cackle

Implies a loud, harsh laugh, often associated with wickedness or madness.

roar with laughter

Denotes a very loud and unrestrained expression of amusement.

FAQs

How to use "giggle" in a sentence?

You can use "giggle" to describe a light, silly laugh, as in "The children couldn't stop their giggles". It can also be used as a noun, as in "We did it for the giggles".

What can I say instead of "giggle"?

You can use alternatives like "chuckle", "titter", or "laugh softly" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "giggle" or "giggling"?

"Giggle" is a noun or verb, while "giggling" is the present participle or gerund form of the verb. Use "giggle" as a noun (e.g., "a giggle escaped her lips") or verb (e.g., "she began to giggle"), and "giggling" to describe the action in progress (e.g., "the giggling children").

What's the difference between "giggle" and "snicker"?

"Giggle" typically describes a light, often innocent laugh, while "snicker" often implies a more mocking or secretive laugh.