Phrase guide

have a laugh

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To laugh.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • It was awkward at the time, but later we all had a laugh about it.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To joke; kid around.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Ireland, UK, idiomatic

Examples

  • Near-synonym: have (someone) on
  • Some of the kids had a laugh and put glue on the teacher's chair.
  • Fifty quid for that piece of junk? You're having a laugh!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: have on

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To enjoy oneself; have fun.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Ireland, UK, idiomatic

Examples

  • We had a great laugh yesterday at the funfair.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

14 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: nauraa — to laugh
  • Icelandic: hlæja — to laugh
  • Polish: śmiać się — to laugh
  • Finnish: pilailla — UK: to kid around
  • Finnish: juksata — UK: to kid around
  • Icelandic: grínast — UK: to kid around
  • Icelandic: spauga — UK: to kid around
  • Icelandic: gera að gamni sínu — UK: to kid around
  • Polish: wygłupiać się — UK: to kid around
  • Polish: pajacować — UK: to kid around
  • Spanish: echarse unas risas — UK: to kid around
  • Icelandic: skemmta sér — UK: to enjoy oneself
  • Icelandic: gleðjast — UK: to enjoy oneself
  • Polish: bawić się dobrze — UK: to enjoy oneself