escapade

[es-kuh-peyd, es-kuh-peyd]

noun

1. a reckless adventure or wild prank.

2. an escape from confinement or restraint.

escapade

/ ˌɛskəˈpeɪd, ˈɛskəˌpeɪd /

noun

1. a wild or exciting adventure, esp one that is mischievous or unlawful; scrape

2. any lighthearted or carefree episode; prank; romp

Word History and Origins

Origin of escapade¹

1645–55; < French < Spanish escapada, equivalent to escap ( ar ) to escape + -ada -ade ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of escapade¹

C17: from French, from Old Italian scappata, from Vulgar Latin ex-cappāre (unattested) to _escape

Example Sentences

We stand in awkward silence at Birds on Franklin Avenue, and I’m really kicking myself for this whole escapade.

From Los Angeles Times

From the TV broadcaster fights of “Anchorman” to the gross-out satire “Borat” and the drunken escapades of “The Hangover,” comedies were a mainstay at the box office.

From Los Angeles Times

Having endured that escapade and a sequel that chased them to the Bahamas, the duo is back for this mildly meta installment to mentor a new generation of manslaughterers.

From Los Angeles Times

The escapades that followed are a story for another day, but let’s just say the ambience was top notch.

From Los Angeles Times

The moggy, who has a loving home, wears a name tag to say "Susie - Not lost, just adventurous" after her daily escapades led to calls to her owners from people believing she was missing.

From BBC

Related Words

• antic 
• fling