Word page
A guffaw is not a polite little laugh. It is loud, sudden, and often impossible to suppress. The word captures the kind of laughter that escapes before dignity has a chance to intervene.
Quick facts
Pronunciation
Meaning
Guffaw means a big, noisy laugh, usually the kind that bursts out openly rather than being politely restrained. As a verb, it means to laugh in that way. The word suggests volume, spontaneity, and a lack of elegance.
Absurdity
Guffaw feels absurd because it sounds like the laugh itself arriving ahead of the person. It is one of those words whose shape does not merely describe sound but seems to perform it.
Word history
Guffaw likely developed as an imitative word, built to echo the sound and physical force of loud laughter. It has been in English for centuries and remains a strong choice when "laugh" feels too plain.
Usage today
Yes. Guffaw is still used in both speech and writing, especially when a writer wants to suggest unusually loud or unrestrained laughter.
Examples
Use it well
Use guffaw when "laugh" is too weak and "cackle" is too specific. It is especially good in storytelling, review writing, and comic scenes.
Related meaning
Contrast
Browse more
Readers also explore
FAQ
Keep exploring
