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Definition of chortle

chortle

/ˈtʃɔːr.təl/
chor · tle
Plural:chortles
•
Past Simple:chortled
•
Past Participle:chortled
•
Present Participle:chortling
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chortle Lexical Profile

chortle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To laugh in a breathy, gleeful, or noisy way.

Example

"The audience began to chortle at the comedian's clever wordplay."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A noisy, gleeful, or breathy laugh.

Example

"He let out a sudden chortle of delight as he read the humorous letter."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for chortle
Antonyms
View all antonyms for chortle

• Rhymes for chortle

• Nearby Words

chorister
chorizo
chorokhi
chortle
chortler
chorus
chough

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined by the English author Lewis Carroll in his 1871 novel 'Through the Looking-Glass' (within the poem 'Jabberwocky'), likely as a portmanteau blending 'chuckle' and 'snort'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Chortle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/chortle
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