madcap

adjective

mad·​cap ˈmad-ˌkap How to pronounce madcap (audio)
: marked by capriciousness, recklessness, or foolishness
madcap noun

Examples of madcap in a Sentence

a madcap scheme to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, Elvis soon left the building, since Johnny didn’t like his madcap drumming style. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2025 Image ‘Death of a Unicorn’ On the drive to his boss’s mansion, Elliot (Paul Rudd) hits and nearly kills a unicorn, leading to madcap misadventures in this horror-comedy directed by Alex Scharfman. The New York Times, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Augustina and Blessing are proof of that, milling outside the prison walls, caught between madcap laughter and wails of pain — the polarities of grief. Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 29 Mar. 2025 And the four women — sensible Billie, prim Helen, brash Mary Alice and madcap Natalie — may be next on the hitlist. Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for madcap

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of madcap was in 1591

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Madcap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/madcap. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

madcap

adjective
mad·​cap ˈmad-ˌkap How to pronounce madcap (audio)
madcap noun

More from Merriam-Webster on madcap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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