skylark

[skahy-lahrk]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR skylark ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a brown-speckled European lark, Alauda arvensis, famed for its melodious song.

verb (used without object)

to frolic; sport: The children were skylarking on the beach.

Origin of skylark

First recorded in 1680–90; sky + lark¹

Related formssky·lark·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for skylarking

Historical Examples of skylarking

No skylarking about, and I never have to wait a minute for a plank.
Sturdy and Strong
G. A. Henty
After all,” said Terry, “it may have been some skylarking boys trying to steal the college apples.
The Orchard Secret
Cleo Garis
“Dickey is fonder of skylarking than shooting the stars,” remarked Harry, laughing.
The Voyage of the "Steadfast"
W.H.G. Kingston
The punchers were a reckless, joyous crew, skylarking in anticipation of the towns of the plains.
The Rules of the Game
Stewart Edward White
Nothing breakable in it except the crockery, and plenty of room for skylarking.
Fernley House
Laura E. Richards

British Dictionary definitions for skylarking

skylark

noun

an Old World lark, Alauda arvensis, noted for singing while hovering at a great height

any of various Australian larks

verb

(intr) informal to romp or play jokes

Derived Formsskylarker, noun

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

Word Origin and History for skylarking

skylark

the common European lark, 1680s, from sky (n.) + lark (n.1). So called because it sings as it mounts toward the sky in flight.

skylark

"to frolic or play," 1809, originally nautical, in reference to "wanton play about the rigging, and tops," probably from skylark (n.), influenced by (or from) lark (n.2). Related: Skylarked; skylarking.