Mess about
verb
To spend time doing various things that are not important without any particular purpose or plan.
He spent the whole day just messing about in the garage.
Often appears as...
- mess about in
- mess about with
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To act in a joking or foolish way.
Don't mess about, we need to get this job done now.
Often appears as...
- mess about around
- stop messing about
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
In computing, to change and try different things with something such as a piece of software in order to understand how it works or to improve it.
I've been messing about with the code to try and get the software to function better.
Often appears as...
- mess about with code
- mess about with software
Usage tips
Informal
verb
To spend time doing various things that are not important without any particular purpose or plan.
He spent the whole day just messing about in the garage.
Often appears as...
- mess about in
- mess about with
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To act in a joking or foolish way.
Don't mess about, we need to get this job done now.
Often appears as...
- mess about around
- stop messing about
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
In computing, to change and try different things with something such as a piece of software in order to understand how it works or to improve it.
I've been messing about with the code to try and get the software to function better.
Often appears as...
- mess about with code
- mess about with software
Usage tips
Informal
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Lack of Purpose
Reflects spending time without a clear goal, often in a leisurely way.
He messes about with puzzles on lazy Sundays.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Activity
Suggests informal, relaxed behavior with no serious intent.
She loves messing about in the kitchen, trying new recipes.
Pro Tip 3/3Time Filler
May imply using the activity to pass time rather than for productivity.
We just mess about with the app when we're bored.
Pro Tip 1/3Lack of Purpose
Reflects spending time without a clear goal, often in a leisurely way.
He messes about with puzzles on lazy Sundays.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Activity
Suggests informal, relaxed behavior with no serious intent.
She loves messing about in the kitchen, trying new recipes.
Pro Tip 3/3Time Filler
May imply using the activity to pass time rather than for productivity.
We just mess about with the app when we're bored.
Pro Tip 1/3Lack of Purpose
Reflects spending time without a clear goal, often in a leisurely way.
He messes about with puzzles on lazy Sundays.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Activity
Suggests informal, relaxed behavior with no serious intent.
She loves messing about in the kitchen, trying new recipes.
Pro Tip 3/3Time Filler
May imply using the activity to pass time rather than for productivity.
We just mess about with the app when we're bored.
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