shenanigan

noun she·nan·i·gan \ shə-ˈna-ni-gən \

|Updated on: 4 Jul 2018

Examples: shenanigan in a Sentence

Editor's Note: Did You Know?

Definition of shenanigan

1 : a devious trick used especially for an underhand purpose

2 a : tricky or questionable practices or conduct —usually used in plural

b : high-spirited or mischievous activity —usually used in plural

shenanigan was our Word of the Day on 06/09/2018. Hear the podcast!

Examples of shenanigan in a Sentence

students engaging in youthful shenanigans on the last day of school
an act of vandalism that went way beyond the usual shenanigans at summer camp

Recent Examples of shenanigan from the Web

In most cases, female Cuban crocs, who might normally struggle to find a mate from their own small population, suddenly encounter exotic suitors of an appealing size and shenanigans ensue—a little like spring break in Cancun.

— shanna baker, Smithsonian, "The Quest to Preserve the Last of Castro’s Crocodiles," 21 June 2018
The stories have become so frequent and, frankly, absurd, that even Fox News felt compelled to grill him on at least one reported round of shenanigans.

— gregory krieg, CNN, "Scott Pruitt did what now?," 7 June 2018
Foley said, starting with the Progressive Era at the turn of the 20th century, speed was seen as a deterrent to fraud — the faster the votes were counted, the less time there was for shenanigans.

— jen kirby, Vox, "Why it takes so long to get election night results," 9 May 2018
On June 2nd, Nick's Birthday, a Celebration of Life will be held, where stories can be shared of crazy, silly, endearing memories and shenanigans for those who knew him well, will treasure forever.

— courant.com, "Nicholas Joseph Bibeau," 1 May 2018
Rehearsal implosions, backstage shenanigans and onstage disasters have the cast on life support—and the audience in stitches!

— Indianapolis Star, "See Noises Off at IRT," 30 Apr. 2018
Kate, in a $69.90 Zara dress (no doubt on its way to being sold out), looked on throughout, appearing quite relaxed and enjoying the shenanigans.

— josh duboff, Vanities, "Princess Charlotte Dons Sunglasses and Prince George Plays with a Slinky in Surprising New Photos," 11 June 2018
For 12 years after the shenanigans at Shinnecock Hills, the average winning score at the U.S. Open was 2.25-under par, and that included Rory McIlroy’s record 16-under at Congressional in 2011.

— marcus hayes, Philly.com, "USGA says No. 7 at Shinnecock won't happen in this year's U.S. Open. But what will? | Marcus Hayes," 22 May 2018
At least, according to Vanity Fair, which reported that there were some shenanigans to speak of at the rather rowdy wedding reception for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

— shannon carlin, refinery29.com, "The Royal Reception Included Beer Pong, Tequila & George Clooney Dancing With Meghan & Kate," 21 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shenanigan.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

The history of shenanigan is as tricky and mischievous as its meaning. Etymologists have some theories about its origins, but no one has been able to prove them. All we can say for certain is that the earliest known use of the word in print appeared in the April 25, 1855, issue of San Francisco's Town Talk. Although the "underhanded trick" sense of the word is oldest, the most common senses in use now are "tricky or questionable practices" (as in "political shenanigans") and "high-spirited behavior" (as in "youthful shenanigans").