1 B2 idiomatic informal
To laugh so uncontrollably that your body moves or staggers around.
"The kids were falling around laughing at the clown's exaggerated expressions."
inseparable
fall around
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To laugh so helplessly that one's body moves around uncontrollably.
In plain English
To laugh so much you can't stay still.
What does "fall around" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fall in the area around oneself — picturing loss of physical control.
Actually means
To laugh so much you can't stay still.
Usage tip
Chiefly British English. Very similar to 'fall about' and often used interchangeably. Less common than 'fall about'. Usually followed by 'laughing' or 'with laughter'.
Words that pair with "fall around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
laughing with laughter giggling at the joke
How to conjugate "fall around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fall around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
falls around
he/she/it
Past simple
fell around
yesterday
Past participle
fallen around
have + pp
-ing form
falling around
continuous
Hear "fall around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fall around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "fall around"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
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