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Definition of chuckle

chuckle

/ˈtʃʌk.əl/
chuc · kle
Plural:chuckles
•
Past Simple:chuckled
•
Past Participle:chuckled
•
Present Participle:chuckling
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chuckle Lexical Profile

chuckle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A quiet or suppressed laugh expressing mild amusement or inward satisfaction.

Example

"He gave a soft chuckle as he read the witty remark in the margin of the book."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To laugh quietly or inwardly, typically out of mild amusement or private satisfaction.

Example

"The professor chuckled at the student's clever observation during the seminar."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for chuckle
Antonyms
View all antonyms for chuckle

• Rhymes for chuckle

• Nearby Words

chubut
chuck
chuck-will's-widow
chuckle
chucklehead
chuckler
chuckwagon

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 16th century as a frequentative derivative of 'chuck' (an imitative variant of 'cluck'), originally meaning to laugh convulsively or noisily before shifting in the 18th century to denote a quiet, suppressed laugh.

Cite this Entry

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