Giggle: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in situations where laughter is light, high-pitched, and often involves a sense of fun or playfulness. Usually associated with children or when someone is being tickled.

• The children couldn't stop giggling during the puppet show.
• She giggled when he whispered a joke in her ear.

Appropriate for situations where the laughter is quiet and restrained, often expressing mild amusement or satisfaction. Typically used for more mature or subtle humor.

• He chuckled at the clever punchline of the joke.
• The grandpa chuckled softly at his grandchild's antics.

This word is often used when the laughter is partly suppressed and can have a mocking or mean-spirited undertone. Appropriate in contexts where someone is laughing at another's expense or behind their back.

• They snickered when they saw their classmate trip over his shoelaces.
• The group snickered as they read the prank note.

This word describes a short, nervous, or suppressed kind of laughter, often in formal or slightly uncomfortable situations.

• The audience tittered awkwardly at the comedian's inappropriate joke.
• She couldn't help but titter when she accidentally spilled her drink at the formal dinner.

Use this word for a light, silly laugh that is often high-pitched. It's usually in response to something funny or slightly embarrassing.

• She couldn't help but giggle when he made a funny face.
• The children giggled as they told each other jokes.

This word is appropriate for a quiet or restrained laugh, often to oneself, in response to something amusing.

• He chuckled quietly at the amusing situation.
• She chuckled to herself as she read the humorous story.

Typically used for a half-suppressed laugh, often disrespectful or mocking in nature. It carries a negative connotation.

• The students snickered when the teacher made a mistake.
• He tried to hide his snicker when his friend tripped.

A nervous or quiet laugh, often in a group, that can indicate embarrassment or amusement. It is less loud than a giggle.

• The attendees began to titter when the speaker made a joke.
• She let out a titter when she was asked an awkward question.