prank

[ prangk ]

See synonyms for: prank pranked pranking pranks on Thesaurus.com

noun

a trick of an amusing, playful, or sometimes malicious nature.

Origin of prank

First recorded in 1520–30; origin uncertain

Other words for prank

caper, escapade, antic, shenanigan

See synonyms for prank on Thesaurus.com

Other definitions for prank (2 of 2)

prank²

[ prangk ]

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

1540–50; akin to Dutch pronken to show off, strut, pronk show, finery, Middle Low German prank pomp

Other words from prank

un·pranked, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use prank in a sentence

Now, she says, her coworkers are actively pranking each other and blaming it on the ghost.
New York’s Most Tragic Ghost Loves Minimalist Swedish Fashion | Nina Strochlic | January 8, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST
Due to serial online pranking which borders on civil disobedience, the wealthy Efram is expelled from multiple schools.
In a New Novel, Apathetic Teenagers Usher in the Apocalypse | Elliot Ackerman | June 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
We wanted to touch base on everything—the jokes, the girls, pranking on each other.
Michael B. Jordan Talks About ‘Chronicle,’ ‘Red Tails,’ and ‘The Wire’ | Maria Elena Fernandez | February 1, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
He would never abuse an animal, unless, as in the Pain-killer incident, his tendency to pranking ran away with him.
Mark Twain, A Biography, 1835-1910, Complete | Albert Bigelow Paine
It is the insult to dear Edgar's memory to have her here pranking herself off.'
The Pillars of the House, Vol. II (of 2) | Charlotte M. Yonge

Perhaps it was a solemn farce enacted by pranking existences that throng the shadows lying along the border of another world.
The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce, Vol. II: In the Midst of Life: Tales of Soldiers and Civilians | Ambrose Bierce
It was on a Wednesday that the pranking army of high-mettled warriors issued forth from the ancient gates of Antiquera.
Chronicle of the Conquest of Granada | Washington Irving

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

Origin of prank

C16: of unknown origin

Derived forms of prank

prankish, adjective

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

Origin of prank

C16: from Middle Dutch pronken; related to German Prunk splendour, prangen to be in full splendour

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

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