: a prank intended to trick or embarrass someone or cause physical discomfort
practical joker
noun
: a person addicted to the perpetration of practical jokes
Examples of practical joke in a Sentence
Noun (1)
One of the children filled the sugar bowl with salt as a practical joke.
friends had left the risqué message on his voice mail as a practical joke
Recent Examples on the Web
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles Angels: 5.7 percent optimism 2025: 11.5 percent (28)
2024: 15.6 percent (26)
2023: 81.1 percent (15)
2022: 71.4 percent (16)
Pessimist Jake: This has to be the longest, meanest practical joke in history.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
One of Hughes’ neighbors, Ty Talley, said the toilet paper prank was part of tradition in which North Hall students play practical jokes on teachers during prom season.
—Charlotte Kramon, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
As trade envoy, Andrew became known for practical jokes and off-color remarks, which British diplomats had to tolerate because of his titles.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
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.
Noun
Crews often found release in rowdiness, camaraderie, practical jokes, and the inevitable coping mechanisms of drink and drugs.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles Angels: 5.7 percent optimism 2025: 11.5 percent (28)
2024: 15.6 percent (26)
2023: 81.1 percent (15)
2022: 71.4 percent (16)
Pessimist Jake: This has to be the longest, meanest practical joke in history.
—Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
One of Hughes’ neighbors, Ty Talley, said the toilet paper prank was part of tradition in which North Hall students play practical jokes on teachers during prom season.
—Charlotte Kramon, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
As trade envoy, Andrew became known for practical jokes and off-color remarks, which British diplomats had to tolerate because of his titles.
—Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for practical joke
Cite this Entry
“Practical joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/practical%20joke. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
