April fool

American  

noun

1. the victim of a practical joke or trick on April Fools' Day.

2. a practical joke or trick played on that day.

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April fool British  

noun

1. an unsuspecting victim of a practical joke or trick traditionally performed on the first of April ( April Fools' Day or All Fools' Day )

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Etymology

Origin of April fool

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

Suzanne Cumpston, of Cowbridge's Sam Smith Travel, said: "Can't help thinking this is an out-of-date April fool."

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2024

I pity the April fool who doesn’t try this week’s Slate News Quiz.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2022

So, anyway, the April fool, and prepare your laughing gear for this one: Bieber posts a photo of a sonogram suggesting the couple are expecting.

From The Guardian • Apr. 4, 2019

On the one hand, could this be an early Google April fool?

From Forbes • Sep. 19, 2013

An April fool am I. Come, come— My offer stands.

From The Cornflower, and Other Poems by Blewett, Jean