kook

noun

Synonyms of kooknext
: one whose ideas or actions are eccentric, fantastic, or insane : screwball

Examples of kook in a Sentence

a bunch of kooks dressed up in weird costumes if you insist on painting your house bright orange, everyone will assume you are a kook
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.
Prizes will be available for participants in the categories of individual kook and group costume, judged by a panel composed of race partner Cardiff 101 Mainstreet. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 2026 What so many of these talking heads have in common—legitimate experts, well-meaning journalists, and kooks alike—is how costly their recommendations are. CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026 The kooks of that age believed that Iran-Contra was only just an inkling of the secret government behind the scenes that was preparing to herd Americans into prison camps. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 7 Oct. 2025 At the rose ceremony, Mel hands roses to Roxanne, Debbie, Gerri, Monica P., Monica B., Carol, Peg, Nicolle (of course), Robin, Amy and Terri, with Alexandra the kook among those going home. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for kook

Word History

Etymology

by shortening & alteration from cuckoo

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kook was in 1960

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kook.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kook. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

kook

noun
: a person who acts in a strange or foolish way : nut
kooky
ˈkü-kē
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on kook

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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