guffaw

USAGE SUMMARY

"guffaw" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that means a loud, boisterous laugh, usually implying that the person finds something particularly humorous. Example sentence: The crowd roared with a collective guffaw when the comedian made the joke.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps it was hard to pronounce, perhaps he just thought it was a bit of fun, but the truth is that the guffaw of laughter from the other kids, regular as clockwork, was a daily ordeal.

The Guardian - Opinion

A caricaturist's dream, Mr Bezos has an outsized neck, striking pate and an infectious guffaw that spreads enthusiasm.

The Economist

If you like scatological humour, prepare to guffaw now.

The Economist

They admit they are cheap knock-offs, made elsewhere, and guffaw at the notion that people like them could afford the real thing.

The Economist

Mr Cardin explains that reform will let you keep the coverage you have (guffaw) and that reform will provide more choices, not less (snort).The heckling grows worse.

The Economist

To their glee, the film portrays the Japanese as dastardly moustache-twirling villains who guffaw and chop off noses.

The Economist

They thus make it easier to eat a smelly lunch or guffaw on the phone, oblivious to the reactions of those nearby.

The Economist

Many will guffaw at her trashy family.

The Economist

In "Brunty Country" an aviator-wearing literary agent seeks out the Brontës on the Yorkshire moors, and while the story might prompt a guffaw from those in the business the tone is a little too knowing.

Independent

Not because they'd fear being arrested by many of the bobbies on the beat (guffaw, guffaw) but they'd be worried they might receive a slap.

Independent

"Do you mind if I stretch my legs out?" she asks, having already done so and making herself laugh – a familiar, unbridled guffaw.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "guffaw" when you want to convey a loud, unrestrained, and often sudden burst of laughter. It's particularly effective in describing a reaction to something humorous or absurd.

Common error

Avoid using "guffaw" to describe quiet or polite laughter. "Guffaw" specifically denotes a loud, boisterous laugh. Words like "chuckle" or "giggle" are more appropriate for softer or more restrained expressions of amusement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "guffaw" is to denote a loud and boisterous laugh. Ludwig AI confirms that it can function both as a noun, referring to the sound of laughter, and as a verb, describing the act of laughing in a loud, unrestrained manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "guffaw" is a grammatically sound word that can function as both a verb and a noun to describe a loud, unrestrained laugh. As confirmed by Ludwig AI and evident in the numerous examples, its usage is common across various forms of media, particularly in news and media contexts. When choosing a synonym, consider the level of intensity you wish to convey, as "guffaw" implies a hearty and boisterous expression of amusement. Avoid using "guffaw" for quieter or more polite forms of laughter, as this would misrepresent the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

belly laugh

Indicates a hearty, unrestrained laugh, similar to a "guffaw" but perhaps implying a more physical, visceral reaction.

laugh boisterously

Highlights the loud and energetic nature of the laughter, very similar to the meaning of "guffaw".

boisterous laugh

Emphasizes the noisy and energetic nature of the laughter, akin to a "guffaw" but highlighting its exuberance.

uproarious laughter

Suggests a loud and unrestrained outburst of laughter, synonymous with "guffaw" in its intensity.

roar with laughter

Highlights the loud and unrestrained quality of the laughter, similar to a "guffaw" in its auditory impact.

howl with laughter

Suggests an even louder and more unrestrained form of laughter than a "guffaw", often implying extreme amusement.

hearty chuckle

Implies a warm and sincere laugh, less intense than a "guffaw" but still conveying genuine amusement.

uncontrollable laughter

Emphasizes the inability to restrain oneself from laughing, suggesting amusement so strong it results in a "guffaw".

burst of laughter

Describes a sudden and brief instance of laughter, which could escalate into a "guffaw" if sustained.

chuckle heartily

Indicates a warm and genuine, although less intense, form of laughter compared to a "guffaw".

FAQs

How to use "guffaw" in a sentence?

You can use "guffaw" to describe someone laughing loudly and boisterously. For example: "The comedian's joke elicited a loud guffaw from the audience."

What can I say instead of "guffaw"?

You can use alternatives like "belly laugh", "boisterous laugh", or "uproarious laughter" depending on the context.

Is "guffaw" a verb or a noun?

"Guffaw" can function as both a verb (to laugh boisterously) and a noun (a boisterous laugh). For example: "He guffawed at the joke" (verb) or "His guffaw echoed through the room" (noun).

What is the difference between "guffaw" and "chuckle"?

A "guffaw" is a loud, unrestrained laugh, while a chuckle is a quiet, suppressed laugh. "Guffaw" suggests more intense amusement than a "chuckle".