The difference between Laugh and Laughing stock

When used as nouns, laugh means an expression of mirth particular to the human species, whereas laughing stock means an object of ridicule, someone who is publicly ridiculed.


Laugh is also verb with the meaning: to show mirth, satisfaction, or derision, by peculiar movement of the muscles of the face, particularly of the mouth, causing a lighting up of the face and eyes, and usually accompanied by the emission of explosive or chuckling sounds from the chest and throat.

check bellow for the other definitions of Laugh and Laughing stock

  1. Laugh as a noun:

    An expression of mirth particular to the human species; the sound heard in laughing; laughter.

  2. Laugh as a noun:

    Something that provokes mirth or scorn.

  3. Laugh as a noun (UK, NZ):

    A fun person.

  1. Laugh as a verb (intransitive):

    To show mirth, satisfaction, or derision, by peculiar movement of the muscles of the face, particularly of the mouth, causing a lighting up of the face and eyes, and usually accompanied by the emission of explosive or chuckling sounds from the chest and throat; to indulge in laughter.

  2. Laugh as a verb (intransitive, obsolete, figuratively):

    To be or appear cheerful, pleasant, mirthful, lively, or brilliant; to sparkle; to sport.

  3. Laugh as a verb (intransitive, followed by "at"):

    To make an object of laughter or ridicule; to make fun of; to deride; to mock.

  4. Laugh as a verb (transitive):

    To affect or influence by means of laughter or ridicule.

  5. Laugh as a verb (transitive):

    To express by, or utter with, laughter.

  1. Laughing stock as a noun (idiomatic):

    An object of ridicule, someone who is publicly ridiculed; a butt of sport.