Giggling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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giggling

[ˈɡɪɡəlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

laughter

Laughing in a light, happy or nervous way, often with short, repeated sounds.

Synonyms

chuckle, snicker, titter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
giggling	Typically used to describe light, repetitive, and usually high-pitched laughter that is often associated with amusement or nervousness, especially among children or in playful situations. The children were giggling uncontrollably as they whispered secrets to each other. She couldn't stop giggling after hearing the funny joke.
chuckle	Refers to a quiet or restrained laugh. It is generally deeper and less high-pitched than giggling and is often used to describe an amused reaction that is more subtle and mature. He chuckled at the cleverness of the pun. She let out a chuckle when she saw the cat trying to catch its own tail.
snicker	Describes a sly or semi-suppressed laugh, often mocking or sneering in nature. It typically carries a somewhat negative connotation, implying a form of derision or secretive amusement. They snickered behind their hands when the teacher made a mistake. I heard him snicker after the awkward comment was made.
titter	This word is often used to describe short, high-pitched giggles or nervous laughter. It suggests a more restrained and delicate type of laugh compared to giggling. The audience tittered at the comedian’s subtle joke. She tittered when she realized she had made a small mistake in her speech.

Examples of usage

The children were giggling in the back of the class.
She couldn't stop giggling during the comedy show.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

laughter

A series of short, light, high-pitched laughs.

Synonyms

chuckle, snicker, titter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
giggling	Used when someone is laughing in a light, silly way, often because they are nervous or amused. Commonly associated with children or when something humorous happens but isn’t overly funny. The kids couldn’t stop giggling at the clown’s funny antics. She was giggling nervously during her presentation.
chuckle	Used for a quiet, restrained laugh, often to oneself. It can be used in situations where something is amusing in a mild or gentle way. He chuckled at the old memories. She couldn’t help but chuckle at his witty remark.
snicker	Typically used when someone is laughing in a sly or disrespectful manner. This kind of laugh is often associated with mocking or making fun of someone. It has a negative connotation. The students snickered at the teacher’s mistake. He snickered behind her back after she tripped.
titter	Used when someone is laughing in a small, informal, and slightly restrained way, often in a situation where they are trying to be polite but cannot hold back the laughter. There was a titter of laughter among the guests when the speaker made a humorous comment. She tittered quietly at the awkward silence.

Examples of usage

Her giggle was infectious and soon everyone in the room was laughing.
The sound of children's giggles filled the air.

Translations

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

Origin of 'giggling'

The word 'giggling' is derived from the Middle English 'giglen', which meant 'to laugh in a silly way'. It is believed to have originated from the Old Norse 'gigla', which also meant 'to laugh'. The concept of giggling as a form of laughter has been observed in various cultures throughout history, often associated with joy, amusement, or nervousness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,127, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20124 gnawing
20125 unsuspected
20126 slider
20127 giggling
20128 popularized
20129 withstanding
20130 catarrh
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