madcap

adjective

mad·​cap ˈmad-ˌkap How to pronounce madcap (audio)
: marked by capriciousness, recklessness, or foolishness
madcap noun

Examples of madcap in a Sentence

a madcap scheme to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel
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.
Kerkering’s error on Andy Pages’ 40-foot bouncer came with two outs and the bases loaded in the 11th inning at Dodger Stadium, ending a madcap game and series between two NL titans. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 In one of the film’s most madcap and darkly comedic moments, Linda bribes her daughter with the promise of a pet hamster — who turns out to be a biter, desperate to escape its box. Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025 Rather than exploring that challenge through Russ’ experience of creating a new persona for himself, Chad Powers focuses instead on his madcap efforts to make sure no one uncovers his true identity. Kristen Baldwin, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2025 The 57-month prison term, plus three years of probation, imposed by a federal judge in Memphis marked the final notes of a madcap plot born two years ago in a small city in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains. Jon Schuppe, NBC news, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for madcap

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of madcap was in 1591

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Cite this Entry

“Madcap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/madcap. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

madcap

adjective
mad·​cap ˈmad-ˌkap How to pronounce madcap (audio)
madcap noun

More from Merriam-Webster on madcap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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