Dictionary.com

monkeyshine

[ muhng-kee-shahyn ]
/ ˈmʌŋ kiˌʃaɪn /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: monkeyshine / monkeyshines on Thesaurus.com
noun
Usually monkeyshines . a frivolous or mischievous prank; monkey business.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
who
whom
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of monkeyshine

First recorded in 1820–30; monkey + shine1 (in the sense of “a foolish prank”)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to monkeyshine

antic, caper, lark, trick

How to use monkeyshine in a sentence

  • His achievements had won for him a certain respect even from the officers whom he amused with his 49 monkeyshines.

    The Heart of Pinocchio|Collodi Nipote

  • Run, then; an' if Job abuses you, just let me know it, an' I'll keep him from cuttin' up any monkeyshines.

    Toby Tyler|James Otis

  • In a mild way we and our fool monkeyshines came to be a well-known institution.

    Gold|Stewart White
FEEDBACK