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monkey around

mon·key a·round
M m

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [muhng-kee uh-round]
    • /ˈmʌŋ ki əˈraʊnd/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [muhng-kee uh-round]
    • /ˈmʌŋ ki əˈraʊnd/

Definitions of monkey around words

  • noun plural monkey around any mammal of the order Primates, including the guenons, macaques, langurs, and capuchins, but excluding humans, the anthropoid apes, and, usually, the tarsier and prosimians. Compare New World monkey, Old World monkey. 1
  • noun plural monkey around the fur of certain species of such long-haired animals. 1
  • noun plural monkey around a person likened to such an animal, as a mischievous, agile child or a mimic. 1
  • noun plural monkey around a dance, deriving from the twist, in which the partners move their hands as if climbing a pole and jerk their heads back and forth. 1
  • noun plural monkey around Slang. an addiction to narcotics. 1
  • noun plural monkey around any of various mechanical devices, as the ram of a pile driver. 1
See all 15 definitions of monkey around

Information block about the term

Origin of monkey around

First appearance:

before 1520
One of the 28% oldest English words
1520-30; apparently < Low German; compare Middle Low German Moneke (name of son of Martin the Ape in the story of Reynard), equivalent to mone- (akin to obsolete French monne she-ape, Spanish, Portuguese mono ape) + -ke diminutive suffix

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Monkey around

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
Full grammatical hierarchy of Monkey around

monkey around popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 95% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

monkey around usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for monkey around

verb monkey around

  • fool around — a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense.
  • gambol — to skip about, as in dancing or playing; frolic.
  • romp — to play or frolic in a lively or boisterous manner.
  • caper — Capers are the small green buds of caper plants. They are usually sold preserved in vinegar.
  • play — a dramatic composition or piece; drama.
All 71 Synonyms of monkey around

Antonyms for monkey around

verb monkey around

  • remain — to continue in the same state; continue to be as specified: to remain at peace.
  • improve — to bring into a more desirable or excellent condition: He took vitamins to improve his health.
  • leave alone — separate, apart, or isolated from others: I want to be alone.
  • stay — (of a ship) to change to the other tack.
  • repair — to restore to a good or sound condition after decay or damage; mend: to repair a motor.
All 5 Antonyms of monkey around

See also

Matching words

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