First Known Use: circa 1770
Dictionary
chuckle
verb chuck·le \ˈchə-kəl\
: to laugh in a quiet way
chuck·ledchuck·ling
Full Definition of CHUCKLE
intransitive verb
1
: to laugh inwardly or quietly
2
: to make a continuous gentle sound resembling suppressed mirth <the clear bright water chuckled over gravel — B. A. Williams>
— chuckle noun
— chuck·le·some \-səm\ adjective
— chuck·ling·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb
See chuckle defined for English-language learners
See chuckle defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of CHUCKLE
probably frequentative of 1chuck
Related to CHUCKLE
CHUCKLING Defined for Kids
1chuckle
verb chuck·le \ˈchə-kəl\
chuck·ledchuck·ling
Definition of CHUCKLE for Kids
: to laugh in a quiet way
2chuckle
noun
Definition of CHUCKLE for Kids
: a low quiet laugh
Learn More About CHUCKLE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: chuckleheadPrevious Word in the Dictionary: chucking reamerAll Words Near: chuckle
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up chuckle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).