Lark about

verb

To act in a fun, carefree or unserious way.

The children were larking about in the park.
Visual representation of "lark about" - To act in a fun, carefree or unserious way.

Often appears as...

  • larking about outside
  • larking about in the park

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

verb

To waste time by doing pointless activities.

Stop larking about and do your homework!
Visual representation of "lark about" - To waste time by doing pointless activities.

Often appears as...

  • larking about instead of working
  • larking about wasting time

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

verb

To act in a fun, carefree or unserious way.

The children were larking about in the park.
Visual representation of "lark about" - To act in a fun, carefree or unserious way.

Often appears as...

  • larking about outside
  • larking about in the park

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

verb

To waste time by doing pointless activities.

Stop larking about and do your homework!
Visual representation of "lark about" - To waste time by doing pointless activities.

Often appears as...

  • larking about instead of working
  • larking about wasting time

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "lark about"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Playful Context

Use 'lark about' to describe light-hearted, playful behavior, often in a social setting.

Illustration for Playful Context
At the family reunion, the cousins were larking about in the yard.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not for Formality

'Lark about' is casual and may be inappropriate in formal or serious situations.

Illustration for Not for Formality
I wouldn't say the CEO was larking about during the meeting; that's too informal.
LampPro Tip 3/3

British Flavor

Remember it's a British phrase, so it might not be understood or used by English speakers elsewhere.

Illustration for British Flavor
My American friend didn't understand when I said we were just larking about.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Playful Context

Use 'lark about' to describe light-hearted, playful behavior, often in a social setting.

Illustration for Playful Context
At the family reunion, the cousins were larking about in the yard.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not for Formality

'Lark about' is casual and may be inappropriate in formal or serious situations.

Illustration for Not for Formality
I wouldn't say the CEO was larking about during the meeting; that's too informal.
LampPro Tip 3/3

British Flavor

Remember it's a British phrase, so it might not be understood or used by English speakers elsewhere.

Illustration for British Flavor
My American friend didn't understand when I said we were just larking about.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Playful Context

Use 'lark about' to describe light-hearted, playful behavior, often in a social setting.

Illustration for Playful Context
At the family reunion, the cousins were larking about in the yard.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not for Formality

'Lark about' is casual and may be inappropriate in formal or serious situations.

Illustration for Not for Formality
I wouldn't say the CEO was larking about during the meeting; that's too informal.
LampPro Tip 3/3

British Flavor

Remember it's a British phrase, so it might not be understood or used by English speakers elsewhere.

Illustration for British Flavor
My American friend didn't understand when I said we were just larking about.
Visual representation of the word "Lark about"

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