rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryhilarityGreat amusement
noun

hilarity

hih-LAIR-uh-tee/hɪˈlærəti/

Great amusement or laughter.

The shared hilarity leaves one adult doubled over and the other laughing backward.

Two adults share an uninhibited fit of laughter, one doubled forward clutching his stomach while the other leans back laughing with a hand over her mouth.
Etymology
hilarLatincheerful, merry
+ityLatinstate or quality

The pieces name a state of cheerfulness or merriment. In the selected sense, that merry state takes the more intense form of great amusement or noisy laughter.

In context

Vivid Audio Library71:29
In the midst of the general hilarity, Clare showed her deplorable want of iron by bursting into tears.
The Ordeal of Richard Feverel by George Meredith (Part 2) | Full Classic Victorian Novel Audiobook

More examples

  • Their attempts to assemble the tent lead to general hilarity.
  • Hilarity ensues when the dog runs off with my slipper.
  • We struggle to contain our hilarity during the serious speech.

Forms

hilarious adjective — Causing great amusement or laughter.

Similar words

amusement
Can describe mild enjoyment rather than intense laughter.
mirth
Emphasizes cheerful pleasure, without necessarily suggesting uproarious laughter.
merriment
Emphasizes lively, cheerful fun rather than intense amusement.