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Definition of skylarking

skylarking

/ˈskaɪˌlɑːrkɪŋ/
sky · lark · ing
Plural:skylarkings
•
Past Simple:skylarked
•
Past Participle:skylarked
•
Present Participle:skylarking
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skylarking Lexical Profile

skylarking Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Boisterous, playful behavior, harmless mischief, or frolicking.

Example

"The teacher sternly warned the students that no skylarking would be tolerated in the chemistry laboratory."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for skylarking

• verb

1

To pass time by playing tricks or engaging in boisterous, playful mischief (present participle of skylark).

Example

"Instead of finishing their chores, the children spent the afternoon skylarking in the orchard."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for skylarking

• Nearby Words

skykomish
skylab
skylark
skylarking
skylight
skyline
skylit

Word Origin & Etymology

Originated in early 19th-century British naval slang, where young sailors scampering playfully up into the high rigging and yards of a ship were compared to skylarks soaring high into the air.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Skylarking. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/skylarking
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