Cackle

/ˈkæk.əl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a loud, harsh laugh.

Her cackle echoed through the room, drawing everyone's attention.

the sound made by certain birds, especially chickens.

The cackle of the rooster signaled the start of the day.

verb

to make a harsh, loud, shrill sound, often like the noise made by a hen.

The hens began to cackle loudly when they saw the farmer approaching.

to laugh in a loud, harsh manner.

She couldn't help but cackle at the joke that her friend told.

From Middle English 'cacklen', akin to 'cackle' used by chickens.

cackle like a hen

To laugh loudly and harshly, similar to the sound made by chickens.

croak

To make a deep, hoarse sound typically associated with frogs.

screech

To make a loud, high-pitched sound.

To laugh uncontrollably or in a silly manner.

She cackled all night at the party.

To gossip or talk maliciously about someone.

They like to cackle about their neighbors.