noun
trickster
TRIHK-stuh
Trickster (noun) means a mythological or folklore figure who uses cunning and mischief to outwit authority or other characters. Example: “Coyote is a classic trickster figure in many Native American stories.”
noun
1
A mythological or folklore figure who uses cunning and mischief to outwit authority or other characters.
"Coyote is a classic trickster figure in many Native American stories."
2
Someone who deceives or cheats people, often for personal gain.
"The con artist was a trickster who talked elderly victims out of their savings."
"He turned out to be a trickster running a fake charity."
How to use trickster
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (real or mythical) who relies on cunning, tricks, or deception rather than force.
Common pairings
trickster figure
trickster god
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Word forms
- Plural
- tricksters
- Third person singular
- tricksters
- Past tense
- trickstered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Coyote is a classic _____ figure in many Native American stories.
Etymology
Built from trick plus the agent suffix -ster (the same ending found in words like gangster and youngster).
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “trickster” mean?
The word “trickster” means a mythological or folklore figure who uses cunning and mischief to outwit authority or other characters. In plain terms, someone (real or mythical) who relies on cunning, tricks, or deception rather than force.
How do you pronounce “trickster”?
“Trickster” is pronounced TRIHK-stuh (/ˈtɹɪk.stɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “trickster” in a sentence?
Here is “trickster” used in a sentence: “Coyote is a classic trickster figure in many Native American stories.”
What part of speech is “trickster”?
“Trickster” is a noun.
How many meanings does “trickster” have?
“Trickster” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mythological or folklore figure who uses cunning and mischief to outwit authority or other characters.
