To behave in a silly or irresponsible way, waste time, or engage in casual sexual activity.
Act silly and waste time, or (for adults) have a secret romantic relationship.
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To behave in a playful or silly way, especially when one should be focused or serious.
"The kids were fooling around in the garden instead of coming in for dinner."
Stop fooling around and get to work.
— Common idiom, widely cited in American popular culture
To waste time on unimportant or unproductive activities.
"We can't afford to fool around — the deadline is tomorrow."
To have a casual or secret sexual relationship outside of a committed partnership.
"She suspected her husband was fooling around behind her back."
To experiment or tinker casually with something.
"He likes to fool around with old car engines on weekends."
To move around (in circles) like a fool — without purpose.
Act silly and waste time, or (for adults) have a secret romantic relationship.
Common across all English-speaking regions, though especially American. Context makes the intended sense clear. The sexual sense is adult and can be offensive in inappropriate contexts. Used as a mild warning: 'Don't fool around!'
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "fool around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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