merry laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "merry laughter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe laughter that is joyful and cheerful, often in a festive or happy context. Example: "The room was filled with merry laughter as friends gathered around the fireplace during the holiday season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But he was capable of merry laughter when relaxing.

The New York Times

I remembered Katie's merry laughter, her love of lobster and corn and white wine.

The New York Times

From upstairs I hear shrieks of merry laughter, and some regular shrieks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The merry laughter of the golden winged fellows wrought in miniature size as a pair of earrings is irresistible.

The New York Times - Arts

If this is E!'s idea of fun, one wonders how bad things would have to get before the merry laughter began to feel inappropriate.

The Guardian - Film

Gruelling, sweat-sodden hours passed until she heard the sounds of merry laughter as the royal party arrived for a swim.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Merry merry.

Vice

The bond between Linklater and Delpy is evident as they wind down at a Los Angeles hotel the day after a Hollywood awards show at which "Before Midnight" was honored; they're lit up in each other's presence, jumping enthusiastically into a conversation, their points of view tumbling together amid Delpy's merry peals of laughter.

Los Angeles Times

Over the laughter and the merry japes hover some melancholy truths.

The New York Times

For some - two-year-olds for example - it's the tragic end of a merry, twinkling holiday filled with laughter and new toys.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(Some of Jem's verbal tics grow wearisome, especially the phrase "big thing", as in "He definitely has a big thing for cucumber" or "She does not have a big thing for laughter even though she looks so merry").

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "merry laughter" to evoke a sense of genuine happiness and lightheartedness. It's most effective when describing scenes of celebration or carefree enjoyment.

Common error

Avoid using "merry laughter" in highly formal or serious contexts. While grammatically correct, its connotation of lightheartedness may be inappropriate. Consider using more neutral terms like "joyful laughter" or "happy laughter" in professional or academic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "merry laughter" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "merry", meaning cheerful or joyful, with the noun "laughter", creating a vivid image of happy, lighthearted amusement. Ludwig confirms that this is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

9%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "merry laughter" is a grammatically correct and evocative phrase used to describe cheerful and joyful laughter. While it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, according to Ludwig, its slightly informal tone may not always be suitable for formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "joyful laughter" or "cheerful laughter" in professional or academic settings. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples of its usage in real-world contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joyful laughter

Emphasizes the feeling of joy associated with the laughter.

cheerful laughter

Highlights the positive and uplifting nature of the laughter.

gleeful laughter

Suggests a more exuberant and delighted form of laughter.

happy laughter

Focuses on the happiness that is expressed through laughter.

lighthearted laughter

Indicates laughter that is carefree and without seriousness.

jovial laughter

Conveys a sense of heartiness and good humor in the laughter.

festive laughter

Implies that the laughter is occurring during a celebration or special occasion.

amused chuckling

Refers to a quiet, often internal, expression of amusement.

delighted giggling

Highlights the high-pitched, light laughter of someone who is greatly pleased.

uproarious mirth

Indicates boisterous and unrestrained amusement, often shared among a group.

FAQs

What does "merry laughter" mean?

"Merry laughter" describes laughter that is full of joy, cheerfulness, and lightheartedness. It suggests a happy and pleasant atmosphere.

What can I say instead of "merry laughter"?

You can use alternatives like "joyful laughter", "cheerful laughter", or "gleeful laughter" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "merry laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "merry laughter" to describe a scene filled with happiness and lightheartedness. For example: "The room was filled with the sound of merry laughter as the children opened their presents."

Is "merry laughter" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "merry laughter" might sound informal in very serious or professional contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "joyful laughter" or "happy laughter" in those situations.