madcap

[ mad-kap ]

adjective

1. wildly or heedlessly impulsive; reckless; rash:

   a madcap scheme.

noun

1. a madcap person.

madcap

/ ˈmædˌkæp /

adjective

1. impulsive, reckless, or lively

noun

1. an impulsive, reckless, or lively person

Word History and Origins

Origin of madcap¹

First recorded in 1580–90; mad + cap ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of madcap¹

C16: from mad + cap (in the figurative sense: head)

Example Sentences

That would be a shame, because included within the madcap gags and rapid-fire action are plenty of moments tailored for the grown-ups, too.

From Washington Blade

The glue that initially held these madcap proceedings together, Niles’ demise leaves a gaping hole in the squad’s dynamics.

From The Daily Beast

“Dial A for Aunties” is, hands down, this year’s most madcap, swoony and delightful read.

From Washington Post

And it was as madcap, sharp, and romantic as the series was when it left off in May.

From The Daily Beast

But Poehler is, and has been throughout the run of her show, just as good: just as silly, just as madcap, just as witty.

From The Daily Beast

This was a madcap game, the ball hurtling from end to end, chased by tired legs of every hue.

From The Daily Beast

But for all its madcap zaniness, Woke Up Lonely easily refutes the idea that the novel is a staid, obsolete form of writing.

From The Daily Beast

But the extent of the madcap goofiness in the helicopter ride is too much for some 007 diehards.

From The Daily Beast

We should have thought at once the prank that madcap would be at!

From Project Gutenberg

Jean was a bunch of nervous impulses, and no one ever knew where the madcap would bounce up next.

From Project Gutenberg

Captain Jack was open and generous, though a little given to rash enterprise and madcap adventure.

From Project Gutenberg

He shall go to Paris instead of those madcap youngsters with their parties.

From Project Gutenberg

The fiend receive George of Douglas and thee too, thou born madcap and sworn marplot!

From Project Gutenberg