plural hoaxes
: an act that is meant to trick or deceive people
The bomb threat is probably a hoax, but we should still evacuate the building.
She was the victim of a cruel hoax.
hoaxes; hoaxed; hoaxing
: to trick or deceive (someone)
—usually used as (be) hoaxed
People were hoaxed by the Web site.
Cite this Entry
“Hoax.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/hoax. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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