Dictionary cackleHarsh laughter

verb

cackle

KAK-ul/ˈkækl/

To laugh in a harsh, shrill way.

The man begins to cackle while his companion smiles.

A man laughs with mouth wide open while a companion reacts.

Etymology

cackleEnglishan imitation of a hen’s noise

An attested sense “to laugh” narrowed in modern use to a harsh, shrill kind of laughter.

More examples

She cackled at the absurd suggestion.
The joke made him cackle with delight.

Forms

cackle · cackled

Similar words

laugh: Is the general action without a particular sound quality.
chortle: Usually suggests gleeful, chuckling laughter.