Search Dictionary
Definition of malarkey

malarkey

/məˈlɑːrki/
ma · lar · key
JUMP TO:

malarkey Lexical Profile

malarkey Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Meaningless, insincere, or foolish talk; nonsense.

Example

"The veteran mechanic dismissed the salesman's exaggerated claims as pure malarkey."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for malarkey
Antonyms
View all antonyms for malarkey

• Rhymes for malarkey

• Nearby Words

malanga
malaria
malarial
malarkey
malawi
malawian
malax

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1920s American slang, its exact origin remains uncertain, though it is often linked to the Irish surname Mullarkey or popularized by early 20th-century cartoonist Thomas Aloysius 'Tad' Dorgan.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Malarkey. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/malarkey
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.