A laugh track is a pre-recorded audience laughter that is played during a TV show or comedy to create a more lively and humorous atmosphere. Although the term 'laugh track' is commonly used, there are other synonyms that can be used to describe this theatrical element such as canned laughter, fake laughter, guffaw track, chuckle track, sitcom laughter, prerecorded laughter, and applause track. These terms are often used interchangeably, but each highlights distinct features of the sound clip that is played. Unlike live shows, canned laughter may dim humor's spontaneity, but comedians still use the method to liven up their performances and create mass appeal.