Definition of trick
1a : a crafty procedure or practice meant to deceive or defraudb : a mischievous act : prankc : a deceptive, dexterous, or ingenious feat; especially : one designed to puzzle or amuse a juggler's tricksd : an indiscreet or childish action
2a (1) : a quick or artful way of getting a result : knack the trick is to make it look natural (2) : an instance of getting a desired result one small adjustment will do the trickb : a technical device (as of an art or craft) the tricks of stage technique
3a : a delusive appearance especially when caused by art or legerdemain : an optical illusion a mere trick of the lightb : a habitual peculiarity of behavior or manner a horse with the trick of shyingc : a characteristic and identifying feature a trick of speech
4 : the cards played in one round of a card game often used as a scoring unit
5a : a sexual act performed by a prostitute turning tricks; also : john 2b : shift 4b(1)c : a trip taken as part of one's employmentd : a turn of duty at the helm usually lasting for two hours
6 : an attractive child or woman a cute little trick
Explore Merriam-Webster
Examples of trick in a Sentence
It was a trick to persuade her to give him money.
She enjoys playing tricks on her friends.
For his last trick, the magician made a rabbit disappear.
Origin and Etymology of trick
Middle English trikke, from Anglo-French *trik, from trikier to deceive, cheat, from Vulgar Latin *triccare, alteration of Latin tricari to behave evasively, shuffle, from tricae complications, trifles
First Known Use: 15th century
Synonym Discussion of trick
trick
Definition of trick
Examples of trick in a Sentence
He tricked her by wearing a disguise.
you tricked me into thinking my ex wasn't coming to the party tonight
Circa 1500
First Known Use of trick
circa 1500
trick
Definition of trick
Examples of trick in a Sentence
a trick shot in pool
He has a trick knee.
Circa 1530
First Known Use of trick
circa 1530
TRICK Defined for English Language Learners
trick
playDefinition of trick for English Language Learners
-
: an action that is meant to deceive someone
-
: something done to surprise or confuse someone and to make other people laugh
-
: a clever and skillful action that someone performs to entertain or amuse people
trick
Definition of trick for English Language Learners
-
: to deceive (someone)
trick
Definition of trick for English Language Learners
-
: using methods that are meant to deceive someone
-
: done in a clever or entertaining way
-
: weak and tending to fail suddenly
TRICK Defined for Kids
Definition of trick for Students
1 : an action intended to deceive or cheat
2 : a mischievous act : prank
3 : an action designed to puzzle or amuse a card trick Mouse was trying to teach me a new yo-yo trick … — Judy Blume, Sheila the Great
4 : a quick or clever way of doing something I know a trick for remembering names.
5 : the cards played in one round of a game
Definition of trick for Students
: relating to or involving actions intended to deceive or puzzle We scored a touchdown on a trick play.
Learn More about trick
-
See words that rhyme with trick Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for trick Spanish Central: Translation of trick Nglish: Translation of trick for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of trick for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trick
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up trick? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!