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jinks

British  
/ dʒɪŋks /

plural noun

  1. boisterous or mischievous play (esp in the phrase high jinks )

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

jinks Idioms  
  1. see high jinks.


Etymology

Origin of jinks

C18: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mostly the comedy in “The Sheep Detectives” derives from slapstick high jinks.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Not everyone goes to the theater to be wowed by verbal pyrotechnics or daredevil plot high jinks.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2025

Certainly the high jinks have caught the attention of those in Australia, who have put the sandpaper down long enough to have their say on England's morals.

From BBC • Jul. 30, 2025

“Ain’t Got No Home,” which reached No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, became Henry’s signature hit and definitively captured his humor and his vocal high jinks.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 12, 2024

“Well, Lance,” said Arthur cheerfully, “these are some high jinks, and no mistake about it Jenny can hardly sit still, with all her captives.”

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

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