impish

adjective

imp·​ish ˈim-pish How to pronounce impish (audio)
: of, relating to, or befitting an imp
especially : mischievous
impishly adverb
impishness noun

Examples of impish in a Sentence

the gang of impish children ran into the street, utterly oblivious to the traffic
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.
The others were Dan Lucas, the guitarist, from York, and Taylor Stewart, the drummer, from outside Glasgow—the group’s impish prankster, who has a penchant for choking his mates and kicking them in the balls. Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 16 June 2025 Fit, tan and still charmingly impish, Sanz met with Billboard over a glass of red wine at Sony’s 5020 Studios in Miami in early May. Leila Cobo, Billboard, 22 May 2025 Nicholson's portrayal of a rebellious mental hospital inmate is a phenomenal combination of sly intelligence and impish braggadocio, best showcased during the scene where, thwarted in his attempt to watch the World Series on TV, McMurphy ad libs a commentary in front of a blank set. EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025 Whenever O’Brien was onstage, balancing impish humor with a palpable love for movies and compassion for an industry where so many recently lost so much to the wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles, the ceremony felt light and loose. Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impish

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impish was in 1652

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Cite this Entry

“Impish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impish. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

impish

adjective
imp·​ish ˈim-pish How to pronounce impish (audio)
impishly adverb
impishness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on impish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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