laughingstock

noun

laugh·​ing·​stock ˈla-fiŋ-ˌstäk How to pronounce laughingstock (audio)
ˈlä-
: an object of ridicule

Examples of laughingstock in a Sentence

The team has become the laughingstock of the league. The mayor became a laughingstock.
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.
Today, the West Bank remains under Israeli occupation, the Palestinian Authority is a laughingstock and Palestinian politicians are divided among themselves. Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 19 Nov. 2024 Zach Orr’s defense, with many of the same players from last season’s outstanding defense, is quickly becoming the laughingstock of the NFL. Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 14 Nov. 2024 Unless John Mara and Steve Tisch are OK with being the laughingstock that lost to the horrendous Carolina Panthers with the world watching, 20-17 in overtime, on Sunday in Munich, Germany. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 10 Nov. 2024 No veteran worth his salt — particularly ones who’ve grown accustomed to the playoffs or lifted a Stanley Cup or two — wants to be part of a laughingstock. Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for laughingstock 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1518, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of laughingstock was circa 1518

Dictionary Entries Near laughingstock

Cite this Entry

“Laughingstock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laughingstock. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

laughingstock

noun
laugh·​ing·​stock ˈlaf-iŋ-ˌstäk How to pronounce laughingstock (audio)
ˈlȧf-
: a person or thing that is made fun of

More from Merriam-Webster on laughingstock

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!