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."
monkey around
B1 informal intransitive
To behave in a silly, playful, or irresponsible way; to waste time playing or fooling around.
In plain English
Play around and act silly instead of doing something useful.
What does "monkey around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move and play the way a monkey does — without a plan, just for fun.
Actually means
Play around and act silly instead of doing something useful.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "monkey around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
stop kids always playground all day instead of working
How to conjugate "monkey around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "monkey around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "monkey around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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