mischief

noun

mis·​chief ˈmis-chəf How to pronounce mischief (audio)
ˈmish-
1
: a specific injury or damage attributed to a particular agent
the polished floor … often causes mischiefs—bruises, sprains, dislocationsHerbert Spencer
2
: a cause or source of harm, evil, or irritation
especially : a person who causes mischief
He's a real mischief to his family.
3
a
: action that annoys or irritates
Halloween mischiefs
b
: the quality or state of being mischievous : mischievousness
had mischief in his eyes

Examples of mischief in a Sentence

It's hard to keep him out of mischief. the children claimed that setting off a firecracker was harmless mischief, but they got a lecture anyway
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 Houston police department confirmed their response to the scene to PEOPLE and said one suspect, Arturo Martinez, 20, was arrested and faces one charge of criminal mischief. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 The details of that 2023 situation remain murky, but the potential for mischief became vivid for many around the world. John Wihbey, Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025 Gossip fed the frenzy of the Salem Witch Trials and has been the subtext of one too many fables where mischief masks moral rot. Oriel Feldmanhall, Time, 6 Oct. 2025 He was first arrested in 2012 in Palm Beach County, Florida, on charges of battery, improper exhibit of a firearm or dangerous weapon and criminal mischief, with only criminal mischief upheld. Brooke Taylor, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mischief

Word History

Etymology

Middle English meschief, from Anglo-French, misfortune, hardship, from Old French meschever to come out badly, mes- + chief head, end — more at chief

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mischief was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mischief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mischief. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

mischief

noun
mis·​chief ˈmis-chəf How to pronounce mischief (audio)
ˈmish-
1
2
: a person or animal who causes mischief
3
: mischievous conduct or quality
a child gets into mischief
had mischief in their eyes

More from Merriam-Webster on mischief

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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