cackled; cackling
ˈka-k(ə-)liŋ 
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 deeds—
Scott McMurray
Scott McMurray3
: chatter
cackle
noun
Synonyms
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
My dad, also a filmmaker, was thrilled to screen Eraserhead for me one night, cackling through the baby scenes.
—Will Bahr, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
Before all this is the table read with all of the writers, which comes after mid-week overnights, delusional bubbles, paranoia about the group of colleagues cackling down the hall, and the rest of the hallmarks of a competitive workplace.
—Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025
As the underwhelming confrontation happens, Mia tries hard to sell the scene, cackling with all 32 teeth showing, and after Jacqueline is unceremoniously booted from the premises, whispering middling insults into the mic from the curb with her friend.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 23 Dec. 2024
Everyone will be cackling and also wondering what happened.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cackle 
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.
Will Bahr, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025
Before all this is the table read with all of the writers, which comes after mid-week overnights, delusional bubbles, paranoia about the group of colleagues cackling down the hall, and the rest of the hallmarks of a competitive workplace.
—Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025
As the underwhelming confrontation happens, Mia tries hard to sell the scene, cackling with all 32 teeth showing, and after Jacqueline is unceremoniously booted from the premises, whispering middling insults into the mic from the curb with her friend.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 23 Dec. 2024
Everyone will be cackling and also wondering what happened.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cackle
Articles Related to cackle
Dictionary Entries Near cackle
Cite this Entry
“Cackle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cackle. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share