practical joke

noun

: a prank intended to trick or embarrass someone or cause physical discomfort
practical joker noun

Examples of practical joke in a Sentence

One of the children filled the sugar bowl with salt as a practical joke. friends had left the risqué message on his voice mail as a practical joke
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Editor’s picks Looked at in the context of Lynch’s larger career — among the most remarkable in film history, but also among the most idiosyncratic — such wide-sweeping popularity almost feels like a practical joke by the universe on David Lynch, or perhaps vice versa. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025 Ernie Ernie is known for his playful, free-spirited nature and his love for practical jokes, especially at the expense of his best friend, Bert. Casey Clark, Parents, 16 Jan. 2025 Some guessed that excessive Taser incidents could be officers fiddling with the weapons out of boredom or sparking them as a practical joke. Nate Rosenfield, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025 The constant attention, however, soon became overwhelming for the family, with some fans taking things too far with practical jokes related to the show. Gil MacIas, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for practical joke

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of practical joke was in 1776

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Cite this Entry

“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/practical%20joke. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

practical joke

noun
: a joke involving something that is done rather than said
especially : a trick played on a person
practical joker noun

More from Merriam-Webster on practical joke

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