tomfool

American  

[tom-fool] / ˈtɒmˈful /

noun

1. a grossly foolish or stupid person; a silly fool.

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adjective

1. being or characteristic of a tomfool.

tomfool British  

/ ˌtɒmˈfuːl /

noun

1. 1. a fool

   2. ( as modifier )

      tomfool ideas

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Other Word Forms

• tomfoolish adjective
• tomfoolishness noun

Etymology

Origin of tomfool

1325–75; Middle English Thome fole Tom the fool

Example Sentences

Their own father, an amiable giant nearly seven foot tall, lacked the drive and ambition of his sons, and he refused to support this tomfool idea.

From "Boy: Tales of a Childhood" by Roald Dahl

He’ah dat ole gray sinna H’s jes brimful o’ gas, Singin’ dat tomfool ditty As he goes hobblin’ pas’!

From The Poets and Poetry of Cecil County, Maryland by Various

I've been dared into a lot of tomfool things in my day.

From Frank Merriwell's Son A Chip Off the Old Block by Standish, Burt L.

Laws-a-massy, ye tomfool," Justus cried, "let it be a sign ter them ez run ag'in' ye!

From The Mystery of Witch-Face Mountain and Other Stories by Murfree, Mary Noailles

Drop this 'ere tomfool game and go home quiet to wherever it is you do live.'

From The Talking Horse And Other Tales by Anstey, F.