“chuckle” – English explanatory dictionary

noun a quiet laugh ○ We all had a good chuckle over the chairman’s speech. Synonym laughter ■ verb to give a quiet laugh ○ He chuckled when she said she wanted a good steady job.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. Chuckled p. pr. & vb. n. Chuckling ] [From 1st Chuck.]
1. To call, as a hen her chickens; to cluck. [Obs.] Dryden.
2. To fondle; to cocker. [Obs.] Dryden.

n. A short, suppressed laugh; the expression of satisfaction, exultation, or derision.

v. i. [From 1st Chuck.] To laugh in a suppressed or broken manner, as expressing inward satisfaction, exultation, or derision.