Mess around with
phrasal verb
To spend time doing unimportant things.
He spent the whole day messing around with his new video game.
Often appears as...
- mess around with friends
- mess around with games
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To handle or change something without a particular goal or understanding.
Don't mess around with the electrical panel, it could be dangerous.
Often appears as...
- mess around with tools
- mess around with settings
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
phrasal verb
To have a romantic or sexual relationship without commitment.
I heard he's been messing around with someone from work.
Often appears as...
- mess around with coworker
- mess around with stranger
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To spend time doing unimportant things.
He spent the whole day messing around with his new video game.
Often appears as...
- mess around with friends
- mess around with games
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To handle or change something without a particular goal or understanding.
Don't mess around with the electrical panel, it could be dangerous.
Often appears as...
- mess around with tools
- mess around with settings
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
phrasal verb
To have a romantic or sexual relationship without commitment.
I heard he's been messing around with someone from work.
Often appears as...
- mess around with coworker
- mess around with stranger
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Time Wasting
Refers to engaging in non-productive activities intentionally for leisure.
They were just messing around with their skateboards in the park.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Activity
Indicates a relaxed or non-serious approach to an activity that might not lead to a significant outcome.
I've been messing around with some coding tutorials online, nothing serious.
Pro Tip 3/3Playful Context
Often used when the activity is fun and shows a playful or light-hearted attitude.
The kids were messing around with the water balloons at the party.
Pro Tip 1/3Time Wasting
Refers to engaging in non-productive activities intentionally for leisure.
They were just messing around with their skateboards in the park.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Activity
Indicates a relaxed or non-serious approach to an activity that might not lead to a significant outcome.
I've been messing around with some coding tutorials online, nothing serious.
Pro Tip 3/3Playful Context
Often used when the activity is fun and shows a playful or light-hearted attitude.
The kids were messing around with the water balloons at the party.
Pro Tip 1/3Time Wasting
Refers to engaging in non-productive activities intentionally for leisure.
They were just messing around with their skateboards in the park.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Activity
Indicates a relaxed or non-serious approach to an activity that might not lead to a significant outcome.
I've been messing around with some coding tutorials online, nothing serious.
Pro Tip 3/3Playful Context
Often used when the activity is fun and shows a playful or light-hearted attitude.
The kids were messing around with the water balloons at the party.
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