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Chortle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chortle

[ˈtʃɔːt(ə)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

laughter

To laugh or chuckle gleefully, often in a breathy, throaty way.

Synonyms

chuckle, giggle, snicker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chortle

Used to describe a joyful, hearty laugh, often in a situation when someone is genuinely happy or finds something really funny.

  • He couldn't help but chortle at the hilarious joke.
  • The children chortled with delight as they played in the garden.
chuckle

Appropriate for subtle, quiet laughter, often in response to something amusing but not overly hilarious.

  • She chuckled softly at his clever remark.
  • He chuckled to himself as he read the funny comic strip.
giggle

Typically used to refer to light, silly laughter, which is often associated with children or a situation that is somewhat amusing or embarrassing.

  • The children couldn't stop giggling during the puppet show.
  • She giggled nervously when stumbling over her words.
snicker

Used to describe a half-suppressed, often mocking or disrespectful laugh. This word can carry a negative connotation.

  • They snickered behind his back after he tripped.
  • She let out a snicker when she saw the embarrassing photo.

Examples of usage

  • He chortled with delight at the joke.
  • She couldn't help but chortle at the funny movie scene.
Context #2 | Noun

laughter

A gleeful chuckle or laugh.

Synonyms

chuckle, giggle, snicker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chortle

Use this word when someone is laughing loudly and joyfully, often in a way that shows they are very pleased or amused.

  • She couldn't help but chortle when she saw the hilarious video.
  • He chortled with delight at the surprise party.
chuckle

This word is suitable when referring to a soft, somewhat restrained, and often private laugh.

  • He chuckled softly at his friend's joke.
  • She chuckled to herself as she read the funny text message.
giggle

Use this word to describe a high-pitched, often rapid laugh that is usually associated with children or when someone is being a bit shy or mischievous.

  • The kids giggled with excitement as they played the game.
  • She couldn't stop giggling during the silly movie.
snicker

This word is best used when someone is laughing in a quiet and often disrespectful or mocking way.

  • He snickered at the awkward mistake.
  • They snickered behind their hands when the teacher tripped.

Examples of usage

  • His chortle echoed through the room.
  • The sound of her chortle was contagious.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'chortle'

The word 'chortle' was coined by the famous author Lewis Carroll in his poem 'Jabberwocky' in 1871. It is a blend of the words 'chuckle' and 'snort'. The term has since been used to describe a gleeful and often slightly mischievous form of laughter. Over time, 'chortle' has become a popular and playful word in the English language, representing the joy of laughter.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,340, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.