guffaw
Say it: guh-FAW /ɡəˈfɔː/ · noun
What “guffaw” means
A big, loud laugh that bursts out freely.
More precisely: A loud, hearty, unrestrained laugh.
Example: “A guffaw from the back of the cinema ruined the film's quietest scene.”
When to use it
Use it when someone's laugh is loud and wholehearted, especially in a lively story or description.
Similar words
belly laugh, roar, howl
Where it comes from
Originally Scots, imitating the sound of the laugh.
Quick check
Your uncle throws back his head and lets out a huge, booming laugh. What was that?
a chuckle or a guffaw?
Show the answer
a guffaw
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