lark

Everyday

1. A lark is a small brown songbird that sings while flying high, such as the skylark. tree →
2. (informal, UK) A lark is something done for fun or as a joke. tree →
3. (verb, informal) To lark about or lark around is to play in a silly, noisy way. tree →
4. (informal, UK) «This X lark» means a kind of activity, said in a slightly jokey or fed-up way. tree →
5. A lark can also be a person who is cheerful, fond of fun and mischief. tree →

In the lessons

In science and nature, skylarks are famous for singing high in the sky. In everyday talk, «for a lark» means just for fun, and «stop larking about!» is what teachers say to silly pupils. In stories and poems, «up with the lark» means getting up very early. Common phrases: «for a lark», «lark about», «up with the lark», «a night owl or a lark», «what a lark!».

Examples

• A skylark sang high above the field. tree →
• We dressed up as pirates just for a lark. tree →
• Stop larking about and line up! tree →
• Grandma is up with the lark every morning. tree →
• I'm a lark, not a night owl — I like mornings. tree →
• «This homework lark is hard work,» said Dad. tree →
• The boys were larking around in the pool. tree →
• I used to be called a complete lark. tree →

Note

Plural: larks. The informal meanings are mostly British. A «lark» (morning person) is the opposite of a «night owl». Not rude.