1The act of laughing aloud, or the sound of laughter; used for the way people laugh when something is amusing.
客席から大きな笑いが起きた。
Loud laughter rose from the audience.
彼のジョークはいつも会議に笑いをもたらす。
His jokes always bring laughter to the meeting.
その映画にはくすっと笑いを誘うシーンがいくつもあった。
The movie had several scenes that drew a quiet chuckle.
笑いは健康にいいとよく言われる。
It's often said that laughter is good for your health.
2A smile — a gentle, silent expression of amusement or friendliness shown through one's face.
赤ちゃんの笑いを見ると、思わずこちらも笑顔になる。
Seeing a baby's smile, you can't help but smile back.
彼女の柔らかな笑いに、緊張がほぐれた。
Her gentle smile eased the tension.
写真の中の祖母は優しい笑いを浮かべていた。
In the photo, my grandmother wore a gentle smile.
3A mocking or scornful laugh directed at someone, often written with the kanji 嗤い.
彼の失敗に、周りから嗤いが漏れた。
Sneers escaped from those around him at his failure.
彼女は相手の言い訳を鼻で笑い、嗤いを隠さなかった。
She scoffed at his excuse, making no effort to hide her sneer.
4An archaic sense, found in old sources such as Edo-period texts and coded language, referring to erotic prints or sex aids; essentially unused in modern Japanese.