How to Pronounce Laugh

To pronounce "laugh", say LAUGH — one syllable, IPA /laːf/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

laugh

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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Syllable

Letters

/laːf/

IPA

"laugh" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with gaf and chaff, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: laff — easy to mix up when writing.

noun

An expression of mirth particular to the human species; the sound heard in laughing; laughter.
“His deep laughs boomed through the room.”
Something that provokes mirth or scorn.
“Your new hat's an absolute laugh, dude.”

verb

To show mirth, satisfaction, or derision, by peculiar movement of the muscles of the face, particularly of the mouth, causing a lighting up of the face and eyes, and usually accompanied by the emission of explosive or chuckling sounds from the chest and throat; to indulge in laughter.
“There were many laughing children running on the school grounds.”
To be or appear cheerful, pleasant, mirthful, lively, or brilliant; to sparkle; to sport.

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

How many syllables are in "laugh"?▾

"Laugh" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "laugh"?▾

The IPA transcription of "laugh" is /laːf/.

What does "laugh" mean?▾

Laugh: An expression of mirth particular to the human species; the sound heard in laughing; laughter.

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