# lark around

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lark-around
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to behave in a playful or mischievous way, often by making jokes or playing tricks.

For teachers: to act in a lighthearted or teasing manner, typically involving harmless pranks or teasing; informal phrasal verb.

## Examples

- The children larked around in the garden all afternoon.
- During the meeting, the new intern kept larking around, much to the boss's frustration.
- The sailors, having larked around all morning with the deck chairs, finally settled down for lunch.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They larked in the park." but "They larked around in the park." — 'around' is required to convey the playful, wandering nature of the action.

## Usage notes

- followed by a place or situation where the playful behavior occurs.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'mess around' (more chaotic) and 'joke around' (more focused on humor); all are informal but differ in nuance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.