SKIP TO CONTENT

madcap

/ˌmædˈkæp/
IPA guide

Other forms: madcaps

Madcap things are done in a foolish, rash, or impulsive way, without planning or thought. Your madcap adventure might include a spur-of-the-moment bus ride to a nearby city without enough money in your pocket to buy lunch.

The adjective madcap, which can simply mean "impetuous," can also have a sense of "funny and eccentric." A movie that's described as a madcap comedy will probably be full of broad slapstick and laugh-out-loud physical humor. Madcap, dating from the 16th century, originally meant "lunatic" or "crazy person," from the "head" sense of cap — in other words, a madcap was a "crazy head."

Definitions of madcap
  1. adjective
    characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation
    madcap escapades”
    incautious
    lacking in caution
  2. noun
    a reckless impetuous irresponsible person
    see moresee less
    types:
    tearaway
    a reckless and impetuous person
    type of:
    adventurer, venturer
    a person who enjoys taking risks
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘madcap'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family