1 A2 neutral
To find something amusing and laugh because of it.
"Everyone laughed at the comedian's opening story."
inseparable
laugh at
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To express amusement at someone or something, or to ridicule and mock someone.
In plain English
To laugh because something is funny — but often used when you're laughing at a person in a way that makes them feel bad.
What does "laugh at" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To mock or ridicule someone, making them feel embarrassed or foolish.
"The other kids laughed at him for wearing mismatched socks."
“
They laughed at me when I said I wanted to be a comedian.
— Bob Hope, often quoted in interviews reflecting on his early career
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral
To treat something as unimportant or foolish; to dismiss with contempt.
"She laughed at the very idea that she might lose the championship."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Transparent — to direct your laughter toward a person or thing.
Actually means
To laugh because something is funny — but often used when you're laughing at a person in a way that makes them feel bad.
Usage tip
One of the most common phrasal verbs in English. Context determines tone: laughing at a joke is neutral; laughing at a person is usually unkind. Learners must distinguish 'laugh at' (potentially mocking) from 'laugh with' (shared joy).
Words that pair with "laugh at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
joke mistake yourself someone situation fear
How to conjugate "laugh at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
laugh at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
laughs at
he/she/it
Past simple
laughed at
yesterday
Past participle
laughed at
have + pp
-ing form
laughing at
continuous
Hear "laugh at" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "laugh at" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "laugh at"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
deride make fun of mock poke fun at ridicule tease
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.