practical joke

American  

noun

• practical jokes
  plural

1. a playful trick, often involving some physical agent or means, in which the victim is placed in an embarrassing or disadvantageous position.

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practical joke British  

noun

1. a prank or trick usually intended to make the victim appear foolish

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• practical joker
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• practical jokes
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of practical joke

First recorded in 1840–50

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

practical joke

We both worked hard but never prioritized our careers over a beautiful experience, a meaningful conversation, a unique meal, a practical joke.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 7, 2024

The exhibit was supposed to spark debate, yes, but has the spirit of a harmless practical joke, she argues.

From BBC ● Mar. 20, 2024

Was it all some kind of practical joke?

From Slate ● Mar. 16, 2023

It's almost as if McCarthy was playing some kind of elaborate practical joke.

From Salon ● Feb. 22, 2023

“If this is a practical joke ...” He slowed the car.

From "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury

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Related Words

• prank

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