Laughing is something we all do. It happens when we hear a joke, play with friends, or feel really happy. But sometimes, instead of just saying “she laughed,” writers use similes. A simile compares two things using the words “like” or “as.” This helps the reader picture the laughter more clearly. It can make writing more fun and interesting.
In this article, you will learn some simple similes for laughing. Each one helps show how laughter sounds, looks, or feels. Some may compare laughter to animals, sounds, or actions. After reading, you can try making your own similes too. There’s also a short quiz to check what you remember. Let’s get started and explore how similes can make laughter come alive in writing.
Similes for Laughing
1. Like a hyena
Meaning: A loud and wild kind of laugh
Example Sentence:
- Jake laughed like a hyena when he saw the funny video.
- Sarah couldn’t stop laughing like a hyena at the school talent show.
Other ways to say:
- Cackled loudly
- Burst out laughing
Fun Fact/Origin: Hyenas are animals that make strange, loud noises that sound like laughing. People use this to describe someone who laughs very loudly or wildly.
Usage: Use this simile when someone laughs in a way that’s loud and out of control.
2. Like a bubbling brook
Meaning: A soft, cheerful laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like a bubbling brook, light and sweet.
- When he giggled, it sounded like a bubbling brook.
Other ways to say:
- Giggled softly
- Chuckled gently
Fun Fact/Origin: A brook is a small stream. The sound it makes when flowing over rocks can be soft and peaceful, like a gentle laugh.
Usage: Use this when someone laughs in a quiet, happy way.
3. Like popcorn popping
Meaning: Sudden and quick bursts of laughter
Example Sentence:
- Laughter burst out like popcorn popping during the funny part of the movie.
- She laughed like popcorn popping as her friend told the joke.
Other ways to say:
- Snorted with laughter
- Burst into giggles
Fun Fact/Origin: When popcorn pops, it makes quick popping sounds. This is similar to how fast and short some people laugh.
Usage: Use this when someone laughs quickly and often, like in little bursts.
4. Like a trumpet
Meaning: A loud and strong laugh
Example Sentence:
- His laugh was like a trumpet echoing through the room.
- She laughed like a trumpet when she heard the silly joke.
Other ways to say:
- Roared with laughter
- Let out a loud laugh
Fun Fact/Origin: A trumpet is a brass instrument that makes a clear, loud sound. This simile is used for a powerful, attention-grabbing laugh.
Usage: Use this when the laugh is loud and fills the space around it.
5. Like wind chimes in the breeze
Meaning: A light and musical laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like wind chimes in the breeze—soft and musical.
- He laughed like wind chimes when he watched the cartoon.
Other ways to say:
- Tinkled with laughter
- Laughed softly
Fun Fact/Origin: Wind chimes make a gentle ringing sound when moved by the wind. This simile fits a soft and happy laugh.
Usage: Use this when someone’s laugh is light, sweet, and sounds nice.
6. Like bells ringing
Meaning: A bright and joyful laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like bells ringing on a sunny day.
- He laughed like bells ringing during the birthday party.
Other ways to say:
- Pealed with laughter
- Laughed brightly
Fun Fact/Origin: Bells make a clear, happy sound. This simile compares laughter to the sound of small bells.
Usage: Use this when someone laughs in a cheerful and pleasant way.
7. Like a jack-in-the-box
Meaning: A sudden and surprising laugh
Example Sentence:
- She laughed like a jack-in-the-box popping up.
- His laughter came out like a jack-in-the-box—quick and unexpected.
Other ways to say:
- Burst into laughter
- Let out a quick laugh
Fun Fact/Origin: A jack-in-the-box is a toy that pops out when you turn a handle. This simile shows laughter that comes suddenly.
Usage: Use this for a laugh that comes fast and surprises people.
8. Like a lion’s roar
Meaning: A deep and powerful laugh
Example Sentence:
- He laughed like a lion’s roar during the school play.
- Her laugh was like a lion’s roar across the room.
Other ways to say:
- Boomed with laughter
- Roared out loud
Fun Fact/Origin: Lions roar loudly to show power. This simile describes a loud and strong laugh.
Usage: Use when someone laughs in a bold and noisy way.
9. Like a squeaky toy
Meaning: A high-pitched, funny laugh
Example Sentence:
- He laughed like a squeaky toy when he got tickled.
- Her laugh sounded like a squeaky toy in the car.
Other ways to say:
- Squealed with laughter
- Shrieked laughing
Fun Fact/Origin: Squeaky toys make high sounds when pressed. This simile fits a high or silly laugh.
Usage: Use for laughs that are high-pitched and silly.
10. Like marbles rolling
Meaning: A smooth and quick laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh rolled out like marbles across the floor.
- He laughed like marbles rolling down a hallway.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed easily
- Chuckled smoothly
Fun Fact/Origin: When marbles roll, they make a smooth, quick sound. This simile shows an easy-flowing laugh.
Usage: Use when laughter is smooth, fast, and light.
11. Like a frog croaking
Meaning: A deep or raspy laugh
Example Sentence:
- He laughed like a frog croaking by the pond.
- Her laugh was like a frog croaking during quiet time.
Other ways to say:
- Croaked a laugh
- Raspy laugh
Fun Fact/Origin: Frogs croak with a low, rough sound. This simile is used for laughs that aren’t smooth.
Usage: Use for rough, funny, or scratchy laughs.
12. Like a machine gun
Meaning: Fast and repeating laughter
Example Sentence:
- He laughed like a machine gun after the joke.
- Her giggles were like a machine gun—fast and sharp.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed rapidly
- Giggled nonstop
Fun Fact/Origin: Machine guns shoot bullets quickly. This simile shows fast, repeated laughter.
Usage: Use when someone laughs quickly again and again.
13. Like a baby’s giggle
Meaning: Pure and sweet laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like a baby’s giggle—soft and happy.
- He laughed like a baby giggling in the stroller.
Other ways to say:
- Giggled softly
- Laughed sweetly
Fun Fact/Origin: Babies have gentle, joyful laughs. People use this to show innocence or happiness.
Usage: Use when the laugh is pure, soft, and joyful.
14. Like thunder in the sky
Meaning: A loud and booming laugh
Example Sentence:
- He laughed like thunder rolling through the sky.
- Her laugh was like thunder during the joke contest.
Other ways to say:
- Roared with laughter
- Boomed out loud
Fun Fact/Origin: Thunder is loud and powerful. This simile matches a big, echoing laugh.
Usage: Use when laughter is strong and fills the space.
15. Like soda fizzing
Meaning: A bubbly and quick laugh
Example Sentence:
- She laughed like soda fizzing in a glass.
- His giggles were like soda fizzing at lunch.
Other ways to say:
- Bubbled with laughter
- Giggled quickly
Fun Fact/Origin: Soda makes a fizzy sound when opened. This simile fits a playful, bubbly laugh.
Usage: Use for fast, light, and cheerful laughter.
16. Like a donkey braying
Meaning: A loud, sometimes awkward laugh
Example Sentence:
- He laughed like a donkey braying during the funny story.
- Her laugh was like a donkey braying in the middle of the party.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed loudly
- Cackled strangely
Fun Fact/Origin: Donkeys make loud, braying sounds. This simile describes an unexpected or awkward laugh.
Usage: Use this when the laugh is loud and a bit awkward.
17. Like a kitten’s purr
Meaning: A soft, content laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like a kitten’s purr, quiet and peaceful.
- He giggled like a kitten purring on a sunny afternoon.
Other ways to say:
- Giggled softly
- Laughed gently
Fun Fact/Origin: Kittens purr when they are relaxed and happy. This simile fits a gentle, calming laugh.
Usage: Use this for a soft, calm laugh.
18. Like a train whistle
Meaning: A long and loud laugh
Example Sentence:
- He laughed like a train whistle across the field.
- Her laughter was like a train whistle blowing through the night.
Other ways to say:
- Roared with laughter
- Laughed loudly
Fun Fact/Origin: Trains use loud whistles that can be heard far away. This simile is used for a long, loud laugh.
Usage: Use this when someone laughs in a loud and long way.
19. Like a trumpet blast
Meaning: A strong, attention-grabbing laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like a trumpet blast at the concert.
- He laughed like a trumpet blast in the middle of the room.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed boldly
- Roared with laughter
Fun Fact/Origin: A trumpet blast is a loud and clear sound, often used in celebrations. This simile shows a bold laugh.
Usage: Use when the laugh is loud, strong, and attention-grabbing.
20. Like a rooster crowing
Meaning: A loud and early laugh
Example Sentence:
- She laughed like a rooster crowing at dawn.
- His laugh was like a rooster crowing at the break of day.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed loudly
- Chuckled at sunrise
Fun Fact/Origin: Roosters crow early in the morning. This simile is used to describe laughter that is loud and comes unexpectedly.
Usage: Use this for a laugh that’s loud and happens at an unexpected moment.
21. Like a clown’s honk
Meaning: A funny and exaggerated laugh
Example Sentence:
- His laugh was like a clown’s honk, big and silly.
- She laughed like a clown’s honk at the circus.
Other ways to say:
- Giggled exaggeratedly
- Laughed in a goofy way
Fun Fact/Origin: Clowns use honking horns as part of their act. This simile compares a funny and big laugh to a clown’s horn.
Usage: Use when the laugh is loud, silly, or a little over the top.
22. Like a rocket blasting off
Meaning: A fast, sudden laugh
Example Sentence:
- He laughed like a rocket blasting off, fast and loud.
- Her giggles were like a rocket blasting off during the prank.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed quickly
- Burst into laughter
Fun Fact/Origin: Rockets shoot off quickly into the sky. This simile is used for laughter that happens all at once, fast and powerful.
Usage: Use this when someone laughs in a fast, powerful way.
23. Like a babbling brook
Meaning: A soft, continuous laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like a babbling brook, calm and steady.
- He giggled like a babbling brook in the quiet room.
Other ways to say:
- Giggled softly
- Chuckled quietly
Fun Fact/Origin: A babbling brook is a small, continuous stream of water. This simile fits a soft and steady laugh.
Usage: Use when someone laughs in a calm, smooth way.
24. Like a horse neighing
Meaning: A loud, surprised laugh
Example Sentence:
- She laughed like a horse neighing in the stable.
- His laugh sounded like a horse neighing when he heard the joke.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed loudly
- Burst out laughing
Fun Fact/Origin: Horses make a loud, neighing sound, especially when excited. This simile fits an unexpected, loud laugh.
Usage: Use when someone laughs loudly and a bit unexpectedly.
25. Like a car engine revving
Meaning: A laugh that starts slow but gets louder
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like a car engine revving, growing louder and faster.
- His giggle sounded like a car engine revving up at the race.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed in bursts
- Chuckled loudly
Fun Fact/Origin: A car engine revs as it speeds up. This simile is used when someone’s laugh starts soft and grows in volume.
Usage: Use when someone’s laugh gets louder over time.
26. Like a duck quacking
Meaning: A loud, repeated laugh
Example Sentence:
- He laughed like a duck quacking during the silly game.
- Her laugh was like a duck quacking at the party.
Other ways to say:
- Cackled loudly
- Laughed in quick bursts
Fun Fact/Origin: Ducks quack in quick, loud sounds. This simile is used for repeated, loud laughs.
Usage: Use when someone laughs repeatedly, in short bursts.
27. Like a wolf howling
Meaning: A long, drawn-out laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like a wolf howling in the distance.
- He laughed like a wolf howling at the moon.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed long
- Howled with laughter
Fun Fact/Origin: Wolves howl loudly, and their howls echo in the distance. This simile describes a laugh that seems to go on forever.
Usage: Use this for a laugh that’s loud and long.
28. Like a cymbal crash
Meaning: A sharp, sudden laugh
Example Sentence:
- His laugh was like a cymbal crash, sudden and loud.
- She laughed like a cymbal crash when the punchline hit.
Other ways to say:
- Burst out laughing
- Laughed with a sharp sound
Fun Fact/Origin: Cymbals are loud instruments used in music. This simile fits a laugh that is sudden and sharp.
Usage: Use when someone’s laugh happens quickly and loudly.
29. Like a fox’s call
Meaning: A surprising, sharp laugh
Example Sentence:
- He laughed like a fox’s call in the quiet woods.
- Her giggle sounded like a fox’s call at the party.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed unexpectedly
- Chuckled sharply
Fun Fact/Origin: Foxes make a sharp, yipping sound that’s surprising. This simile compares a sharp laugh to that.
Usage: Use this when someone’s laugh is sudden and sharp.
30. Like a whistle blowing
Meaning: A high-pitched and loud laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like a whistle blowing through the air.
- His laugh sounded like a whistle blowing during the soccer game.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed loudly
- Giggled sharply
Fun Fact/Origin: Whistles make high, sharp sounds. This simile shows a laugh that’s high-pitched and loud.
Usage: Use for a high-pitched, sharp laugh.
31. Like a bee buzzing
Meaning: A quick, high-pitched laugh
Example Sentence:
- She laughed like a bee buzzing around the garden.
- His laugh was like a bee buzzing quickly near the flowers.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed quickly
- Giggled in a fast, high tone
Fun Fact/Origin: Bees buzz with a high-pitched sound when they fly. This simile compares laughter to a quick, high sound.
Usage: Use this for a quick, high-pitched laugh.
32. Like a waterfall crashing
Meaning: A strong, loud laugh that fills the space
Example Sentence:
- His laugh was like a waterfall crashing down a mountain.
- Her laugh echoed like a waterfall crashing on the rocks.
Other ways to say:
- Roared with laughter
- Laughed with power
Fun Fact/Origin: Waterfalls make a loud, crashing sound. This simile is used for loud, powerful laughter.
Usage: Use this when someone laughs with a lot of volume and strength.
33. Like a duckling’s quack
Meaning: A cute, soft laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like a duckling’s quack—soft and sweet.
- He giggled like a duckling quacking in the pond.
Other ways to say:
- Giggled softly
- Laughed gently
Fun Fact/Origin: Ducklings make cute, soft quacking sounds. This simile describes a gentle, adorable laugh.
Usage: Use when someone laughs in a sweet, soft way.
34. Like a firecracker popping
Meaning: A sudden, exciting laugh
Example Sentence:
- He laughed like a firecracker popping at the Fourth of July party.
- Her laugh was like a firecracker popping at the news.
Other ways to say:
- Bursted into laughter
- Laughed excitedly
Fun Fact/Origin: Firecrackers make a sharp, exciting pop sound. This simile compares a laugh to something sudden and exciting.
Usage: Use when someone laughs suddenly and with energy.
35. Like an owl hooting
Meaning: A deep and steady laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like an owl hooting in the night.
- He laughed like an owl hooting from the tree.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed steadily
- Chuckled calmly
Fun Fact/Origin: Owls hoot in a deep, calm voice. This simile is used for a steady, deep laugh.
Usage: Use when the laugh is deep, steady, and calm.
36. Like a light bulb flickering
Meaning: A laugh that comes and goes
Example Sentence:
- His laugh was like a light bulb flickering on and off.
- She giggled like a light bulb flickering in the old house.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed in bursts
- Giggled in short intervals
Fun Fact/Origin: Light bulbs flicker when they don’t work properly, and this simile describes laughter that fades in and out.
Usage: Use when someone’s laugh starts and stops repeatedly.
37. Like a cricket chirping
Meaning: A soft, rhythmic laugh
Example Sentence:
- His laugh was like a cricket chirping in the field.
- She laughed like a cricket chirping under the stars.
Other ways to say:
- Giggled softly
- Laughed in a rhythmic way
Fun Fact/Origin: Crickets make a soft, rhythmic chirping sound at night. This simile fits a soft, repeating laugh.
Usage: Use for a soft, steady laugh.
38. Like a door creaking
Meaning: A slow, drawn-out laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh sounded like a door creaking in the old house.
- He laughed like a door creaking slowly open.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed slowly
- Chuckled quietly
Fun Fact/Origin: Doors creak when they move slowly. This simile shows laughter that takes time to develop.
Usage: Use this when a laugh is drawn-out and slow.
39. Like a snowball rolling
Meaning: A laugh that grows louder over time
Example Sentence:
- His laugh started soft and grew like a snowball rolling down a hill.
- Her giggles were like a snowball rolling, getting louder each time.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed louder
- Giggled more each time
Fun Fact/Origin: Snowballs grow bigger and louder as they roll. This simile describes laughter that gets louder and stronger.
Usage: Use when the laugh starts soft and gets louder as time goes on.
40. Like a dog barking
Meaning: A loud, excited laugh
Example Sentence:
- She laughed like a dog barking at the door.
- His laugh was like a dog barking happily in the yard.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed loudly
- Barked with laughter
Fun Fact/Origin: Dogs bark loudly when they’re excited. This simile shows a loud, happy laugh.
Usage: Use for an excited, loud laugh.
41. Like a clock ticking
Meaning: A steady and quiet laugh
Example Sentence:
- His laugh was like a clock ticking in the background.
- Her giggle was like a clock ticking during the silent class.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed steadily
- Chuckled quietly
Fun Fact/Origin: Clocks tick in a steady rhythm. This simile is used for a laugh that’s consistent and calm.
Usage: Use when someone laughs in a calm and steady way.
42. Like a balloon deflating
Meaning: A laugh that fades out slowly
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like a balloon deflating after the funny moment.
- His chuckle slowly faded, like a balloon deflating.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed slowly
- Giggled quietly
Fun Fact/Origin: Balloon deflation makes a soft, slow sound. This simile describes laughter that fades out slowly.
Usage: Use when laughter dies down slowly.
43. Like a baby’s gurgle
Meaning: A soft, innocent laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like a baby’s gurgle, pure and sweet.
- He giggled like a baby gurgling happily.
Other ways to say:
- Giggled softly
- Laughed sweetly
Fun Fact/Origin: Babies make sweet, innocent gurgling sounds. This simile fits a soft, joyful laugh.
Usage: Use this for a gentle, innocent laugh.
44. Like a balloon popping
Meaning: A sharp, quick laugh
Example Sentence:
- His laugh was like a balloon popping at the party.
- Her giggle sounded like a balloon popping out of nowhere.
Other ways to say:
- Laughed suddenly
- Giggled sharply
Fun Fact/Origin: Balloon pops are loud and fast. This simile compares laughter to something sharp and fast.
Usage: Use this for a quick, unexpected laugh.
45. Like an avalanche falling
Meaning: A loud, overwhelming laugh
Example Sentence:
- Her laugh was like an avalanche falling down the mountain.
- He laughed like an avalanche, loud and unstoppable.
Other ways to say:
- Roared with laughter
- Laughed with power
Fun Fact/Origin: An avalanche is a massive, loud fall of snow. This simile shows laughter that fills the space and is overwhelming.
Usage: Use when someone’s laugh is strong, loud, and hard to stop.
Quiz: Similes for Laughing
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each simile. Each question has one correct answer. Use what you’ve learned from the similes to find the best choice.
Question Key
1. What does it mean when someone laughs “like a balloon popping”?
A) A soft laugh that fades slowly.
B) A loud, sharp, and quick laugh.
C) A soft, steady laugh.
2. If someone laughs “like a dog barking,” what kind of laugh do they have?
A) A quiet, slow laugh.
B) A loud, excited laugh.
C) A soft, gentle laugh.
3. What does it mean when a laugh is “like a firecracker popping”?
A) It’s a soft, gentle laugh.
B) It’s a loud and exciting laugh.
C) It’s a slow, steady laugh.
4. If a person laughs “like a cricket chirping,” how would you describe their laugh?
A) Loud and powerful.
B) Soft and rhythmic.
C) Sharp and quick.
5. When someone laughs “like an owl hooting,” what is their laugh like?
A) High-pitched and quick.
B) Deep and steady.
C) Soft and giggly.
6. What does it mean when someone laughs “like a baby’s gurgle”?
A) A deep and steady laugh.
B) A soft and innocent laugh.
C) A loud, funny laugh.
7. If a person laughs “like a door creaking,” what kind of laugh do they have?
A) A loud, powerful laugh.
B) A slow, drawn-out laugh.
C) A soft, quick laugh.
8. What does it mean when a laugh is “like a snowball rolling”?
A) A laugh that gets louder over time.
B) A short and sudden laugh.
C) A quiet and steady laugh.
9. When someone laughs “like a bee buzzing,” how would you describe their laugh?
A) Soft and steady.
B) Quick and high-pitched.
C) Loud and powerful.
10. What does it mean when someone laughs “like a waterfall crashing”?
A) A soft, steady laugh.
B) A loud and strong laugh.
C) A quiet, giggling laugh.
Answers Key
- B) A loud, sharp, and quick laugh.
- B) A loud, excited laugh.
- B) It’s a loud and exciting laugh.
- B) Soft and rhythmic.
- B) Deep and steady.
- B) A soft and innocent laugh.
- B) A slow, drawn-out laugh.
- A) A laugh that gets louder over time.
- B) Quick and high-pitched.
- B) A loud and strong laugh.
Wrapping Up
Laughter is a special way to show joy, and similes help describe it in fun ways. Whether it’s loud like a dog barking or soft like a baby’s gurgle, each simile paints a clear picture of how people laugh. These similes help us understand different kinds of laughs and what they might sound like.
Next time you hear someone laugh, think about which simile fits best. You might even try creating your own! Remember, similes make our writing and speaking more interesting, making it easier to share our feelings in a creative way. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to spot and use similes everywhere you go.
