1 B2 idiomatic informal
To engage in playful, silly behaviour, especially instead of working or being serious.
"The students were larking around at the back of the classroom while the teacher wrote on the board."
inseparable
lark around
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To behave in a silly, playful, and carefree manner, typically when one ought to be more serious.
In plain English
To play silly games and have fun instead of doing serious things.
What does "lark around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
To spend time in a lighthearted, aimless way, enjoying oneself without a specific purpose.
"We spent the whole Saturday larking around the park with no plans whatsoever."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
See 'lark about' — 'a lark' is a cheerful bird or a fun escapade; 'larking around' pictures moving about playfully like a carefree creature.
Actually means
To play silly games and have fun instead of doing serious things.
Usage tip
Essentially synonymous with 'lark about'. Predominantly British. The two forms are interchangeable in most contexts and speakers often choose one over the other purely by habit.
Words that pair with "lark around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
children mates school park afternoon time
How to conjugate "lark around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lark around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
larks around
he/she/it
Past simple
larked around
yesterday
Past participle
larked around
have + pp
-ing form
larking around
continuous
Hear "lark around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lark around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "lark around"
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