caper

¹ American  

[key-per] / ˈkeɪ pər /

verb (used without object)

1. to leap or skip about in a sprightly manner; prance; frisk; gambol.

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noun

1. a playful leap or skip.

2. a prank or trick; harebrained escapade.

   Synonyms:

   antic, stunt

3. a frivolous, carefree episode or activity.

   Synonyms:

   frolic, spree

4. Slang. a criminal or illegal act, as a burglary or robbery.

idioms

1. cut a caper. cut.

caper ² American  

[key-per] / ˈkeɪ pər /

noun

1. a spiny shrub, Capparis spinosa, of Mediterranean regions, having roundish leaves and solitary white flowers.

2. its flower bud, which is pickled and used for garnish or seasoning.

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caper ¹ British  

/ ˈkeɪpə /

noun

1. a playful skip or leap

2. a high-spirited escapade

3. 1. to skip or jump playfully

   2. to act or behave playfully; frolic

4. slang a crime, esp an organized robbery

5. informal a job or occupation

6. informal a person's behaviour

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verb

1. (intr) to leap or dance about in a light-hearted manner

caper ² British  

/ ˈkeɪpə /

noun

1. a spiny trailing Mediterranean capparidaceous shrub, Capparis spinosa, with edible flower buds

2. any of various similar plants or their edible parts See also bean caper capers

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Other Word Forms

• caperer noun
• caperingly adverb
• uncapering adjective

Etymology

Origin of caper¹

First recorded in 1585–95; probably shortening and alteration of capriole ( def. )

Origin of caper²

1350–1400; back formation from capers (taken for plural), Middle English caperes < Latin capparis < Greek kápparis

Example Sentences

He lay down in the dirt and started squalling and screaming and cutting all kinds of capers.

From Literature

Or maybe just revelling in the Canadian capers.

From BBC

A crime caper blended with off‑beat comedy, fans of "Derry Girls" will instantly recognise McGee's love of the absurd and larger‑than‑life characters.

From Barron's

"We don't have the means to pay for her studies," she explained from their home's back courtyard, where young children capered about and two rams watched from an enclosure.

From Barron's

Then scatter olives and capers on top, and let the pan bubble away on the stovetop over high heat until the sauce reduces and the flavors meld.

From The Wall Street Journal