practical joke

American  

noun

1. a playful trick, often involving some physical agent or means, in which the victim is placed in an embarrassing or disadvantageous position.

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practical joke British  

noun

1. a prank or trick usually intended to make the victim appear foolish

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Other Word Forms

• practical joker noun

Etymology

Origin of practical joke

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

Jason Hughes, 40, came out of his home to surprise the students who were tossing toilet papers over trees as part of a practical joke.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

Was it all some kind of practical joke?

From Slate • Mar. 16, 2023

At Helsinki, she was the ringleader in a practical joke played on Avery Brundage, president of the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2023

It's almost as if McCarthy was playing some kind of elaborate practical joke.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2023

She freezes and stares at each of us, as if trying to decide whether this is an elaborate practical joke.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

• prank