English edit

Etymology edit

From Middle English lawghynge; equivalent to laugh +‎ -ing.

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ˈlɑːfɪŋ/
  • (file)
  • Rhymes: -ɑːfɪŋ

Noun edit

laughing (countable and uncountable, plural laughings)

  1. The action of the verb to laugh.

Verb edit

laughing

  1. present participle and gerund of laugh

Usage notes edit

As with other present participles, laughing can be used as an adjective:

The Laughing Cavalier
laughing hyena

Likewise, as with other gerunds, laughing can be used as a verbal noun:

Laughing could be heard all the way from the back of the room!

Synonyms edit

Derived terms edit