monkey around with (something)
verb
monkeyed around with; monkeying around with; monkeys around with (something)
informal
1
: to use or do (something) in a way that is not very serious
He enjoys monkeying around with his car's engine.
2
: to handle or play with (something) in a careless or foolish way
You shouldn't be monkeying around with dangerous chemicals.
Cite this Entry
“Monkey around with (something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monkey%20around%20with%20%28something%29. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
