mess around
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To fiddle idly.
Register: informal
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The kids sat there messing around with leaves and blades of grass because they were bored.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To joke, kid, or play.
Register: informal
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To have a sexual relationship, especially one which is non-commital.
Register: informal
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “mess around” mean?
To fiddle idly.
Is “mess around” formal or informal?
mess around is generally informal.