prank
1[ prangk ]
/ præŋk /
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noun
a trick of an amusing, playful, or sometimes malicious nature.
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Origin of prank
1First recorded in 1520–30; origin uncertain
Other definitions for prank (2 of 2)
prank2
[ prangk ]
/ præŋk /
verb (used with object)
to dress or adorn in an ostentatious manner: They were all pranked out in their fanciest clothes.
verb (used without object)
to make an ostentatious show or display.
Origin of prank
21540–50; akin to Dutch pronken to show off, strut, pronk show, finery, Middle Low German prank pomp
OTHER WORDS FROM prank
un·pranked, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use prank in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for prank (1 of 2)
prank1
/ (præŋk) /
noun
a mischievous trick or joke, esp one in which something is done rather than said
Derived forms of prank
prankish, adjectiveWord Origin for prank
C16: of unknown origin
British Dictionary definitions for prank (2 of 2)
prank2
/ (præŋk) /
verb
(tr) to dress or decorate showily or gaudily
(intr) to make an ostentatious display
Word Origin for prank
C16: from Middle Dutch pronken; related to German Prunk splendour, prangen to be in full splendour
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