April fool

noun

: the butt of a joke or trick played on April Fools' Day
also : such a joke or trick

Examples of April fool in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This planetary shift, from April 1 through May 13, is like a bad April fool’s joke. Essence Lifestyle, Essence, 1 Apr. 2024 April Fools' Day is right around the corner, so let the April fools' pranks begin! Elizabeth Berry, Woman's Day, 17 Feb. 2023 No one should get hurt over an April fools' joke! Elizabeth Berry, Woman's Day, 17 Feb. 2023 No, this is not an elaborate April fool. Chris Haslam, Wired, 30 Mar. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'April fool.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of April fool was in 1629

Dictionary Entries Near April fool

Cite this Entry

“April fool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/April%20fool. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

April fool

noun
: one who is tricked on April Fools' Day
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