chortle

Definition

A joyful, somewhat muffled laugh, rather like a snorting chuckle.

Etymology

Perhaps a blend of chuckle + snort. Coined by Lewis Carroll in his poem Jabberwocky, completed in 1855 but only introduced to the public in his 1871 novel Through the Looking-Glass.

Example Sentences

• "He frequently interrupted himself with chortles while he told us his favorite joke."