1
: behavior or activity that is annoying but that is not meant to cause serious harm or damage
Those children are always up to some mischief. = Those children are always getting into mischief.
engaging in mischief
It's hard to keep him out of mischief.
2
: a playful desire to cause trouble
There was (a hint of) mischief in his eyes/smile.
3
somewhat formal
: harmful behavior
criminal/malicious mischief
Cite this Entry
“Mischief.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/mischief. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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