Similes are comparisons that use the words “like” or “as” to make writing more vivid and fun. They help readers imagine feelings, actions, and scenes more clearly.

And when it comes to laughter, similes can turn ordinary descriptions into something memorable. If you’ve ever struggled to capture the joy, silliness,

or loudness of laughter in words, this list will inspire you. Read on for 36 similes for laughing with meanings, examples, and tips for creative writing.

What Is a Simile?

A simile is a figure of speech that compares one thing to another using “like” or “as.” It helps bring images and emotions to life. For example, “She laughed like sunshine breaking through clouds.”

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36 Similes for Laughing

1. Laughing like a bubbling brook

• Meaning: Joyful and refreshing laughter.
• Definition: A laugh that sounds light and cheerful, like running water.
• Examples:
  • Her laughter was like a bubbling brook, calming everyone around.
  • He laughed like a bubbling brook, filling the room with happiness.

2. Laughing like a pack of hyenas

• Meaning: Loud and wild laughter.
• Definition: A chaotic and uncontrollable laugh.
• Examples:
  • The children laughed like a pack of hyenas at the silly joke.
  • They couldn’t stop laughing like hyenas during the movie.

3. Laughing like a child on a swing

• Meaning: Innocent and carefree laughter.
• Definition: A laugh full of pure joy.
• Examples:
  • She laughed like a child on a swing, free and lighthearted.
  • His giggles were like a child on a swing, simple and sweet.

4. Laughing like sunshine breaking through clouds

• Meaning: Bright and uplifting laughter.
• Definition: A laugh that brings hope and warmth.
• Examples:
  • Her laugh was like sunshine breaking through clouds on a rainy day.
  • He laughed like sunshine, making everyone smile.

5. Laughing like a burst of fireworks

• Meaning: Sudden and exciting laughter.
• Definition: A laugh that explodes with energy.
• Examples:
  • They laughed like fireworks, lighting up the night.
  • His laughter was like a burst of fireworks, unexpected and thrilling.

6. Laughing like a gentle breeze

• Meaning: Soft and soothing laughter.
• Definition: A calm and delicate laugh.
• Examples:
  • Her giggle was like a gentle breeze on a hot day.
  • He laughed like a breeze, barely there but refreshing.

7. Laughing like a drumbeat

• Meaning: Rhythmic and loud laughter.
• Definition: A laugh with a steady, pounding sound.
• Examples:
  • His laugh echoed like a drumbeat across the hall.
  • She laughed like a drumbeat, steady and powerful.

8. Laughing like raindrops on a roof

• Meaning: Light and continuous laughter.
• Definition: A laugh that is playful and musical.
• Examples:
  • Her laughter was like raindrops on a roof, steady and sweet.
  • They laughed like raindrops, filling the silence with rhythm.

9. Laughing like bells ringing

• Meaning: Clear and joyful laughter.
• Definition: A laugh that sounds musical and bright.
• Examples:
  • Her laughter rang out like church bells.
  • He laughed like bells, clear and cheerful.

10. Laughing like thunder in the mountains

• Meaning: Deep and booming laughter.
• Definition: A powerful and echoing laugh.
• Examples:
  • His laugh rolled like thunder in the mountains.
  • They laughed like thunder, shaking the room.

11. Laughing like a tickled baby

• Meaning: Pure and contagious laughter.
• Definition: Innocent giggles that spread joy.
• Examples:
  • She laughed like a tickled baby, bright and sweet.
  • His giggle was like a baby being tickled, impossible not to smile at.

12. Laughing like a stream over stones

• Meaning: Smooth and musical laughter.
• Definition: A laugh that flows naturally and lightly.
• Examples:
  • Her laugh was like a stream over stones, clear and natural.
  • They laughed like flowing water, easy and smooth.

13. Laughing like a rooster at dawn

• Meaning: Loud and piercing laughter.
• Definition: A sharp, attention-grabbing laugh.
• Examples:
  • He laughed like a rooster at dawn, waking the whole house.
  • Her laugh echoed like a rooster, impossible to ignore.

14. Laughing like waves crashing on shore

• Meaning: Strong and continuous laughter.
• Definition: A rolling, repetitive laugh.
• Examples:
  • Their laughter came like waves on the shore, never-ending.
  • He laughed like waves crashing, loud and powerful.

15. Laughing like a chorus of birds

• Meaning: Sweet and harmonious laughter.
• Definition: Laughter that blends with others in joy.
• Examples:
  • They laughed like birds singing in the morning.
  • Her giggle joined the group like a chorus of birds.

16. Laughing like leaves rustling in the wind

• Meaning: Gentle and quiet laughter.
• Definition: A soft, whisper-like laugh.
• Examples:
  • Her laugh was like leaves rustling on a breezy day.
  • He laughed softly, like leaves dancing in the air.

17. Laughing like an old engine starting

• Meaning: Rough and shaky laughter.
• Definition: A laugh that sounds uneven and harsh.
• Examples:
  • His laugh was like an old engine coughing to life.
  • She laughed like an engine, rattling but warm.

18. Laughing like glass chimes in the wind

• Meaning: Delicate and musical laughter.
• Definition: A soft, tinkling laugh.
• Examples:
  • Her laugh sounded like glass chimes on a summer porch.
  • He laughed like wind chimes, bright and clear.

19. Laughing like a marching band

• Meaning: Bold and attention-grabbing laughter.
• Definition: Loud and full of presence.
• Examples:
  • They laughed like a marching band entering town.
  • His laugh was like brass instruments filling the air.

20. Laughing like a kettle whistling

• Meaning: High-pitched laughter.
• Definition: A sharp laugh that rises in tone.
• Examples:
  • Her laugh was like a kettle whistling on the stove.
  • He laughed like steam escaping, high and shrill.

21. Laughing like popcorn popping

• Meaning: Sudden and quick laughter.
• Definition: Short bursts of giggles.
• Examples:
  • Their laughter came like popcorn, quick and unexpected.
  • He laughed like popping kernels, one after another.

22. Laughing like a radio crackling

• Meaning: Rough and broken laughter.
• Definition: Uneven giggles like static.
• Examples:
  • His laugh crackled like an old radio.
  • She laughed like static, rough but charming.

23. Laughing like a carnival ride

• Meaning: Excited and playful laughter.
• Definition: A laugh full of thrill and motion.
• Examples:
  • She laughed like a rollercoaster speeding down.
  • Their giggles were like a carnival ride, fast and fun.

24. Laughing like a bonfire crackling

• Meaning: Warm and lively laughter.
• Definition: A cozy, popping laugh.
• Examples:
  • His laugh was like a bonfire, bright and crackling.
  • She laughed like firewood snapping in the flames.

25. Laughing like bees buzzing

• Meaning: Quick and buzzing laughter.
• Definition: A fast, humming laugh.
• Examples:
  • Her laughter was like bees buzzing in summer air.
  • They laughed like bees, quick and sharp.

26. Laughing like an audience at a comedy show

• Meaning: Collective and contagious laughter.
• Definition: Laughter that spreads quickly among people.
• Examples:
  • They laughed like a packed theater.
  • Her joke made the group laugh like an audience in sync.

27. Laughing like a cat purring

• Meaning: Soft and soothing laughter.
• Definition: A low, comforting laugh.
• Examples:
  • His laugh was like a cat purring, soft and steady.
  • She giggled like a purring cat, gentle and close.

28. Laughing like a waterfall

• Meaning: Strong and flowing laughter.
• Definition: A continuous, powerful laugh.
• Examples:
  • Her laughter cascaded like a waterfall.
  • They laughed like rushing water, unstoppable and loud.

29. Laughing like wind in a canyon

• Meaning: Echoing and deep laughter.
• Definition: A laugh that resonates.
• Examples:
  • His laugh echoed like wind in the canyon.
  • She laughed like the desert wind, carrying far.

30. Laughing like pages turning in a book

• Meaning: Gentle and rhythmic laughter.
• Definition: A soft, flowing giggle.
• Examples:
  • Her giggle was like pages turning quietly.
  • He laughed like a book being read, calm and steady.

31. Laughing like a jack-in-the-box

• Meaning: Sudden and surprising laughter.
• Definition: A laugh that bursts out unexpectedly.
• Examples:
  • She laughed like a jack-in-the-box, startling everyone.
  • His laugh popped out suddenly, like a toy springing open.

32. Laughing like a school bell ringing

• Meaning: Loud and commanding laughter.
• Definition: A laugh that grabs attention.
• Examples:
  • Her laugh rang out like a school bell.
  • He laughed like the final bell, clear and sharp.

33. Laughing like shoes on a wooden floor

• Meaning: Quick and tapping laughter.
• Definition: A laugh with a sharp, tapping sound.
• Examples:
  • His laugh clicked like shoes on polished wood.
  • They laughed like footsteps, light and quick.

34. Laughing like a storm breaking

• Meaning: Intense and unstoppable laughter.
• Definition: A laugh that bursts out uncontrollably.
• Examples:
  • They laughed like a storm breaking after silence.
  • Her laughter was like thunderclouds releasing rain.

35. Laughing like a harp being played

• Meaning: Gentle and melodic laughter.
• Definition: A laugh that sounds musical and soft.
• Examples:
  • Her laugh was like harp strings in the wind.
  • He laughed like gentle music, calming and sweet.

36. Laughing like champagne fizzing

• Meaning: Sparkling and bubbly laughter.
• Definition: A joyful, effervescent laugh.
• Examples:
  • She laughed like champagne fizzing in a glass.
  • His giggles were like bubbles, light and happy.

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How to Use These Similes in Your Writing

Similes for laughing can add color, depth, and emotion to your work. Here’s how you can use them:

• Poems: Create imagery that makes laughter sparkle or echo.
• Stories: Describe characters’ personalities through their laughter.
• Songs: Add rhythm and flow with musical comparisons.
• Essays: Make descriptive writing more engaging and lively.

When you use similes, think about the mood you want—soft, wild, joyful, or powerful—and choose the right image.

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FAQs

What is a simile for laughter?

It is a comparison that describes laughter using “like” or “as,” such as “She laughed like bells ringing.”

How do similes make writing better?

They add imagery, emotion, and creativity, making writing more vivid and easier to imagine.

Can I use similes in academic writing?

Yes, but sparingly. They work best in creative, descriptive, or narrative sections.

What’s the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

A simile uses “like” or “as,” while a metaphor states something is something else directly.

Which similes are best for funny writing?

Playful ones like “laughing like popcorn popping” or “laughing like a pack of hyenas” work best for humor.

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Conclusion

Similes for laughing are powerful tools that transform ordinary descriptions into vivid, memorable moments. Whether you want to show laughter as soft as a breeze, loud as thunder, or sparkling as champagne, these similes give you endless ways to express joy.

Use them in your poems, stories, songs, or conversations to bring characters and scenes to life. The next time you write about laughter, don’t settle for plain—make it shine with a creative simile.