GREAT GIFT IDEA!

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.9

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

guffaw

noun

/gʌˈfɔ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of guffaw

A loud, boisterous burst of laughter.
"His joke triggered a loud guffaw from the entire room."

Detailed meaning of guffaw

It is characterized by its robust and hearty nature, often associated with genuine amusement or hilarity. A guffaw is a laughter that is unrestrained, spontaneous, and uncontrolled, typically accompanied by a distinct sound. It can be contagious, spreading laughter to those around. A guffaw is often loud enough to draw attention and can be heard from a distance. This type of laughter is commonly associated with finding something extremely funny or amusing, often resulting in an uncontrollable outburst. The term "guffaw" is used to describe a particularly loud and hearty form of laughter that leaves a lasting impression, creating a memorable and vibrant atmosphere filled with mirth and joy.

Example sentences containing guffaw

1. His guffaw echoed through the room, drawing everyone's attention.
2. The comedian's punchline elicited a hearty guffaw from the audience.
3. We couldn't contain our guffaws during the hilarious movie scene.
4. At the party, their infectious guffaws filled the air with joy.
5. Her unexpected joke prompted a chorus of guffaws from friends.
6. A sudden guffaw erupted as he recounted a funny childhood memory.

History and etymology of guffaw

The term 'guffaw' has a colorful etymology that reflects the raucous nature of this hearty burst of laughter. It is believed to have originated in the early 18th century and is thought to be imitative in nature. The sound 'guffaw' itself mirrors the loud and unrestrained laughter it describes. While there are no specific linguistic roots or complex derivations associated with this word, its onomatopoeic quality captures the essence of a boisterous and often contagious outburst of mirth. So, in tracing the etymology of 'guffaw,' we find an echoic representation of exuberant and uproarious laughter that has persisted in the English language for centuries.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun guffaw:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of guffaw

1. The comedian's wit had the audience in fits of guffaws.
2. His loud guffaw echoed down the hallway, startling others.
3. Their shared sense of humor often led to spontaneous guffaws.
4. Despite the serious meeting, his irreverent comment drew a guffaw.
5. The sitcom's witty dialogue consistently triggered guffaws from viewers.
6. She couldn't contain her guffaw and burst into laughter.
7. The comedian's punchline elicited a collective guffaw from the audience.
8. He let out a deep guffaw that echoed through the hallway.
9. I couldn't help but join in the guffaw, even though I didn't understand the joke.
10. The guffaws of the children filled the playground with pure joy.
11. His infectious guffaw spread throughout the office, brightening everyone's mood.
12. The movie had the audience erupting in guffaws from start to finish.
13. The comedian's witty retort earned him a round of guffaws and applause.
14. Their shared secret resulted in mischievous guffaws between the two friends.
15. The unexpected twist in the story brought forth a guffaw of surprise.
16. His exaggerated impersonation caused a guffaw that could be heard across the room.
17. The guffaws of the old friends echoed as they reminisced about their youth.
18. The guffaw caught the attention of everyone in the library, earning disapproving glances.
19. She let out a guffaw, unable to contain her amusement at the silly dance.
20. The guffaws subsided as the comedian continued with his hilarious anecdotes.
21. His contagious guffaw made the tense atmosphere dissolve into laughter.
22. The sight of the clumsy puppy's antics brought about a guffaw from the onlookers.
23. The guffaw of the baby was music to the parents' ears.
24. The unexpected punchline resulted in a guffaw that left everyone in stitches.