To make a sharp, broken noise or cry, as a hen or goose does. When every goose is cackling. Shak.
To laugh with a broken noise, like the cackling of a hen or a goose; to giggle. Arbuthnot.
To talk in a silly manner; to prattle. Johnson.
The sharp broken noise made by a goose or by a hen that has laid an egg. By her cackle saved the state. Dryden.
Idle talk; silly prattle. There is a buzz and cackle all around regarding the sermon. Thackeray.
98,828 entries. Headwords are matched first, then definition text.