cackle

verb

cack·​le ˈka-kəl How to pronounce cackle (audio)
cackled; cackling ˈka-k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce cackle (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: to make the sharp broken noise or cry characteristic of a hen especially after laying
2
: to laugh especially in a harsh or sharp manner
Shakespeare's crones cackled of evil deedsScott McMurray
3
cackle noun
cackler noun

Examples of cackle in a Sentence

The hens were cackling in the henhouse. I could hear my aunts cackling in the next room.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their giant, phony smiles reminded me of dolphins circling their prey and their mean laughter is blended into the sound of cackling birds. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025 The Grammy winner then hilariously freaked out as the Barbie star and Palmer cackled. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 22 Jan. 2025 Kelli is brash and benignly ostentatious with her cackling laugh and revolving door of unpredictable fashions (my jaw dropped at her look for Coyote Ugly), another indicator of a great parody Housewife. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025 Sampson may cackle at the term, like his buddies Izzo and Barnes — the old school coaches who have stuck around and thrived through changes in the sport that have driven other peers away. Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cackle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cakelen, of imitative origin

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cackle was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cackle. Accessed 17 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

cackle

verb
cack·​le ˈkak-əl How to pronounce cackle (audio)
cackled; cackling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce cackle (audio)
1
: to make the sharp broken noise or cry that a hen makes especially after laying an egg
2
: to laugh or chatter noisily
cackle noun
cackler noun

More from Merriam-Webster on cackle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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