monkey around
B1 informal intransitive
In simple words
Play around and act silly instead of doing something useful.
Literal meaning: To move and play the way a monkey does — without a plan, just for fun.
Meanings
1 A2
idiomatic
informal
To behave in a playful, silly, or irresponsible way, particularly when something more serious is expected.
"The boys were monkeying around in the gym instead of practising their drills."
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To experiment with or tinker with something in a casual or careless way.
"I've been monkeying around with this old radio for weeks but I still can't get it to work."
Usage notes
Common in both British and American English. Frequently used in contexts of mild disapproval — a parent or teacher telling someone to stop wasting time. Also used fondly when describing children playing.
Commonly used with
stop kids always playground all day instead of working
Forms
Base
monkey around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
monkeys around
he/she/it
Past simple
monkeyed around
yesterday
Past participle
monkeyed around
have + pp
-ing form
monkeying around
continuous
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