What does chortle mean?
To chortle is to laugh in a loud, hearty, and gleeful manner — a blend of chuckling and snorting that conveys unrestrained delight. The word functions as both a verb ("he chortled at his own joke") and a noun ("a deep chortle rumbled from the back of the room"). Unlike a snicker or snigger, which often carry a sly or derisive edge, a chortle is warm and joyous, typically expressing genuine amusement or triumph. It is informal in register and appears most often in narrative prose, light journalism, and everyday conversation, lending colour and personality to descriptions of laughter. The word is especially beloved for its origin: it was coined by Lewis Carroll in his 1871 poem "Jabberwocky," where he fused "chuckle" and "snort" into a single expressive term. Its whimsical pedigree and vivid sound have kept it firmly in use ever since, making it a favourite among writers seeking a laugh word with character.
To laugh in a loud, gleeful, chuckling way.
"Grandpa chortled every time he told that same old joke."
A loud, joyful laugh of the chuckling kind.
"He gave a satisfied chortle and turned back to his book."
Standard plural; used for multiple instances of the laugh.
"Chortles rippled through the audience during the comedy set."
"Chortle" was invented by Lewis Carroll — he smashed together "chuckle" and "snort," and the world loved it so much it became a real word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chortle
Chortle was coined by Lewis Carroll in "Through the Looking-Glass" (1871), appearing in the nonsense poem "Jabberwocky." Carroll formed it as a portmanteau, blending "chuckle" and "snort." Despite its invented origins, the word was rapidly adopted into standard English and is now fully established in dictionaries on both sides of the Atlantic. It shares its coinage story with other Carroll inventions such as "galumph" (from "gallop" and "triumph"), which likewise entered common usage.
Related word forms
How chortle is actually used
Informal and playful in register; carries an affectionate, jovial connotation rather than a mocking one. Used in both British and American English.
Easily confused with chortle
A chuckle is a quiet, subdued laugh, while a chortle is louder and more exuberant.