mischief

noun

mis·​chief ˈmis-chəf How to pronounce mischief (audio)
ˈmish-
1
: a specific injury or damage attributed to a particular agent
the polished floor … often causes mischiefs—bruises, sprains, dislocationsHerbert Spencer
2
: a cause or source of harm, evil, or irritation
especially : a person who causes mischief
He's a real mischief to his family.
3
a
: action that annoys or irritates
Halloween mischiefs
b
: the quality or state of being mischievous : mischievousness
had mischief in his eyes

Examples of mischief in a Sentence

It's hard to keep him out of mischief. the children claimed that setting off a firecracker was harmless mischief, but they got a lecture anyway
Recent Examples on the Web Savannah then drove to Tom Slick Park, while her ex-husband simultaneously called authorities to make a criminal mischief report related to his residence. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 6 May 2024 Police charged 57-year-old Kyle Patrick Tate with criminal mischief and grand theft as a result of the incident. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 2 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for mischief 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mischief.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English meschief, from Anglo-French, misfortune, hardship, from Old French meschever to come out badly, mes- + chief head, end — more at chief

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mischief was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near mischief

Cite this Entry

“Mischief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mischief. Accessed 9 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

mischief

noun
mis·​chief ˈmis-chəf How to pronounce mischief (audio)
ˈmish-
1
2
: a person or animal who causes mischief
3
: mischievous conduct or quality
a child gets into mischief
had mischief in their eyes

More from Merriam-Webster on mischief

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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