Lark

Lark

Noun / Verb · /lɑːk/

Definition

(Noun) a small songbird, especially the skylark, known for its elaborate and sustained aerial song; (Noun, informal) a fun, carefree escapade or prank; something done for amusement; (Verb, informal) to lark about — to behave in a playful or carefree manner.

Origin

The bird sense is from Old English lawerce or lawerc, from Proto-Germanic *laiwaz. The fun/escapade sense is of uncertain origin, possibly from an old dialect word, appearing in English slang from the early 19th century. The skylark as a symbol of joy and morning song has made the bird name richly figurative.