informal
1
: sexual activity
We thought there was some hanky-panky going on between him and his secretary.
2
: dishonest or suspicious activity
They accused the company of financial hanky-panky.
Cite this Entry
“Hanky-panky.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/hanky-panky. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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