How to pronounce laughing
Say it like LAF-ing. Laughing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce laughing. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAF
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Laughing pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LAFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of laughing
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: LAH-fing.
What does laughing mean?
- showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness“laughing children”
Where does laughing come from?
From Middle English laughynge; equivalent to laugh + -ing.
Questions about saying laughing
How do you pronounce laughing?
Say LAF-ing. The American pronunciation is /ˈlæfɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈlɑːfɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in laughing?
Laughing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAF). Broken into parts: LAF · ing.
Is laughing pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat. The British form is /ˈlɑːfɪŋ/ (LAH-fing).