Are you writing a children’s book that features animals communicating with each other and even with humans? Read on to learn about 10 words to describe a laughing animal!
1. Cackling
Definition
- A loud unpleasant, chicken-like sound.
- Laughing in a loud, high voice.
Examples
“The cackling coming from the enclosure even made it seem like the animals were joining in on tormenting him.”
“As if on cue, the chickens began cackling along to his punchline, as the human audience gave a groan of exasperation at his joke.”
How it Adds Description
Although it can be used to describe the sound of a chicken, “cackling” is also a great word to use for any animal’s laugh, especially if it is loud and high-pitched. The word also conjures up images of witches laughing, so could be used if the animal is laughing at some kind of misfortune that has happened.
2. Cacophony
Definition
A mixture of loud sounds that is usually unpleasant.
Examples
“A cacophony of snorts, grunts, whinnies and squeals from the barn told him that the animals found it funny, too.”
“The monkeys erupted into a cacophony of whooping and screaming laughter as they explored the new toy in their enclosure.”
How it Adds Description
No one said that the sound of animals laughing would be pleasant on the ears, especially if there are a lot of them or a lot of different species all making different noises in different tones, pitches, and volumes! Describe the jumble of sounds as a “cacophony” to illustrate what a racket the animals in your story are making!
3. Chattering
Definition
- Quick, repeated noises.
- Clacking one’s teeth together repeatedly, usually when cold.
Examples
“The chattering laughter of the chimpanzees brought a smile to his face.”
“The way the dog’s teeth were chattering in excitement seemed almost like a nervous giggle.”
How it Adds Description
Some animals can make “chattering” noises that sound like laughter, such as monkeys, cats, and others. This can either be vocalizations or perhaps their teeth “chattering” together! The word also helps to give a human-like quality to the animals being described, as if they are trying to talk to the other characters.
4. Deafening
Description
Extremely loud.
Examples
“The laughter of so many animals gathered in one place was simply deafening.”
“The herd erupted into thunderous, deafening laughter which threatened to shake the foundations of the barn.”
How it Adds Description
A large number of animals, or even a large animal, is likely to be very loud when they laugh! “Deafening” describes the volume but also shows the carefree nature of a laugh, one where the animal laughing is not holding anything back.
5. Guffawing
Definition
Laughing loudly, but normally only for a short time.
Examples
“The guffawing of the hippopotamus created bubbles across the watering hole.”
“The horse gave a snorting guffaw when presented with the human that was to ride it.”
How it Adds Description
If your animal only gives a short display of their amusement, consider describing it as “guffawing”. The word itself even sounds a little onomatopoeic, helping your reader to be able to understand the sound that has been made!
6. Hissing
Definition
Making an “s”-like sound.
Examples
“The hissing laughter of the reptiles made him nervous.”
“As he listened closer, the hissing turned into fragmented giggles. This wasn’t a man-eating lizard after all, but a friendly one.”
How it Adds Description
If you need to illustrate an animal such as a reptile laughing, try using the word “hissing” to describe their laughter. This not only gives an idea of the sound, but also the volume. It may even sound a little sinister!
7. Howling
Definition
Making a loud noise.
Examples
“The beasts stared at him intently, before erupting into howling laughter.”
“Howling cries of laughter could be heard from the wolves as they circled and mocked their prey.”
How it Adds Description
People can often “howl” with laughter, but when it comes to animals, this can be literal! A “howling” laugh is loud and raucous and guaranteed to draw attention. It can sometimes also have a sad edge to it, so perhaps your animal is laughing so hard it has begun to cry!
8. Rumbling
Definition
A continuous low sound.
Examples
“The rumbling laugh of the giant elephant threatened to shake the very ground they stood on.”
“At first he had mistaken the rumbling for a growl before he realized it was the animal’s attempt at laughter.”
How it Adds Description
For larger animals, you may wish to consider describing their laugh as “rumbling”. This can not only highlight the power of the animal but also the pitch, as the larger the animal, the lower its laugh will likely be. That is unless you wish to use the reverse for a comedic effect.
9. Snorting
Definition
- Making a loud sound, usually by rapidly moving air in and out of the nostrils.
- Making a short sound of disapproval.
Examples
“The horse took a loud exhale, before snorting with laughter.”
“As the creature continued snorting with laughter, it became more and more intense. It was almost as if it was amused by the noise it was making.”
How it Adds Description
If the animal you are writing about relies upon its nose a lot, its laughter may also be very nasal! If so, “snorting” makes for a great word choice to demonstrate this. “Snorting” can also indicate disapproval, and may also be used at the start of an animal’s laugh if they are making fun of another character or laughing at their expense.
10. Snuffling
Definition
Breathing quickly and repeatedly through the nose, either to smell something or in sadness.
Examples
“The mouse began snuffling in laughter. The cat had managed to get its tail stuck in the trap that had been meant for him.”
“The snuffling soon gave way to squeals of laughter as the pigs finally realized who they had found hiding at the bottom of their food trough.”
How it Adds Description
“Snuffling” is quite a quiet sound, and could be used to describe smaller or quieter animals’ laughter. It also requires the nose to make the sound, making it suitable for animals that rely on their sense of smell, or whose noses are one of their most prominent features.