noun / verb
guffaw
guh-FAW/ɡʌfˈɔ/
A loud, hearty laugh.
My uncle lets out a guffaw at the punch line.
Etymology
This Scottish word is probably an imitation of the sound of coarse laughter. Its likely connection to the meaning is direct: the noise itself supplies the name.
In context
He walked to the edge and they heard his hoarse guffaw of laughter as the arrows clanged and clattered against his impenetrable mail.
More examples
- Her impression of the coach draws guffaws from the team.
- We guffawed when the actor forgot his own character's name.
- Dad is still guffawing over that ridiculous story.
Forms
guffaw · guffaws · guffawed · guffawing