monkey around with (something)

phrasal 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.

Dictionary Entries Near monkey around with (something)

monkey around

monkey around with (something)

monkey bars

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 25 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!