peals of laughter

USAGE SUMMARY

"peals of laughter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the sound of a large group of people laughing, such as when a whole audience is laughing in response to a joke. For example, "The comedian's witty joke caused peals of laughter to erupt from the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More peals of laughter.

The New York Times - Magazine

The line draws peals of laughter.

The Washington Post

Peals of laughter could be heard.

The Washington Post

Duff erupts into peals of laughter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That was followed by peals of laughter.

The New York Times

Now peals of laughter, not screams, rang down halls.

The New York Times

She goes off into another of her peals of laughter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The original referred to peels, rather than peals, of laughter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Peals of laughter rang out into the big sky.

The New York Times

Pointing a finger at ourselves we burst into peals of laughter.

Independent

Ms. Osipova's tornadolike fouetté turns in Act III elicited more peals of laughter.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "peals of laughter" to vividly depict a scene where a large group of people are laughing loudly and heartily. This phrase adds a layer of intensity and imagery to your writing.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "peals" for similar-sounding words like "peels". "Peals" refers to a loud ringing sound, often associated with bells or laughter, while "peels" refers to the outer covering of a fruit or vegetable. Using the wrong word can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "peals of laughter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It vividly describes the sound of collective, boisterous laughter, adding intensity and imagery. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "peals of laughter" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that vividly describes the sound of loud, unrestrained laughter. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used correctly and effectively across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, allowing writers to evoke a strong sensory image of collective amusement. Alternatives such as "bursts of laughter" or "roars of amusement" offer subtle variations in emphasis, while remaining semantically similar. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by avoiding confusion with similar-sounding words and embrace its capacity to add vividness to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bursts of laughter

Focuses on the sudden and explosive nature of the laughter.

uproarious laughter

Indicates boisterous and unrestrained laughter.

waves of laughter

Emphasizes the undulating and spreading quality of the laughter.

cascades of laughter

Portrays laughter as flowing and abundant.

outbursts of mirth

Highlights the feeling of joy and amusement.

roars of amusement

Suggests loud and unrestrained laughter.

shouts of glee

Focuses on the happiness conveyed through loud vocalizations.

fits of giggles

Implies uncontrollable and often nervous laughter.

cries of merriment

Highlights the joyful and celebratory aspect of the laughter.

sounds of hilarity

Emphasizes the extremely humorous nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "peals of laughter" in a sentence?

You can use "peals of laughter" to describe a scene where a group of people are laughing loudly and heartily. For example: "The comedian's joke was met with "peals of laughter" from the audience."

What are some alternatives to saying "peals of laughter"?

Alternatives include "bursts of laughter", "waves of laughter", or "roars of amusement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "peals of laughter" formal or informal?

"Peals of laughter" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in literature, news articles, and everyday conversations to describe loud and hearty laughter.

What does "peals" mean in the context of "peals of laughter"?

In this context, "peals" refers to a series of loud, resonant sounds, similar to the ringing of bells. When used with "laughter", it describes the sound of many people laughing loudly and continuously.