practical joke

noun

: a prank intended to trick or embarrass someone or cause physical discomfort

practical joker noun

Synonyms

• antic
• caper
• capriccio
• dido
• escapade
• frolic
• gag
• jest
• knavery
• monkeyshine(s)
• prank
• rag [chiefly British]
• roguery
• shavie [Scottish]
• shine(s)
• trick
• waggery

Examples of practical joke in a Sentence

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

Kind, 68, reflected on one of his friend’s practical jokes on the June 9 episode of the Still Here Hollywood Podcast with Steve Kmetko. —Victoria Edel, People.com, 10 June 2025

Suffice to say, not since Squidward Tentacles celebrated April Fool’s Day has a practical joke gone so outrageously far. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 May 2025

The doctors, nurses, administrators and soldiers found a way to invoke humor through practical jokes to make their mission abroad bearable. —Rachel Flynn, People.com, 10 May 2025

Shilo often posts videos to YouTube of himself impersonating Sanders or playing practical jokes on his dad. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for practical joke

• artichoke
• nanticoke
• womenfolk
• awoke
• baroque
• bespoke
• colloque
• convoke
• evoke
• invoke
• keystroke
• kinfolk

Kids Definition

practical joke

noun

: a joke involving something that is done rather than said

especially : a trick played on a person

practical joker noun