lark
UK[lɑːk]US[lɑːrk]
n
A small brown bird that is known for its pleasant song, often singing while it flies high in the sky.
n
Something done for fun or as an adventure; a harmless prank or enjoyable activity.
Etymology
The word 'lark' for the bird originates from the Old English 'lāferce', 'lāwerce', which has Germanic cognates. Its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be imitative of its song or related to a Proto-Indo-European root suggesting sound. The modern spelling solidified in Middle English. The colloquial sense of 'a fun adventure or prank', first recorded in the early 19th century, derives from English dialectal 'lake' or 'laik' (to play), influenced by the phrase 'to rise with the lark', associating the bird with early morning high spirits and playful activity. Thus, the cheerful, soaring nature of the bird metaphorically extended to describe a lighthearted escapade.
Analysis
The word 'lark' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It does not break down into meaningful, reusable morphemes within modern English spelling.
Examples
We were woken at dawn by the song of a skylark.
The children decided to go on a midnight lark to the old fairground.
He painted the whole room pink for a lark.