frivolity

noun

fri·​vol·​i·​ty fri-ˈvä-lə-tē How to pronounce frivolity (audio)
plural frivolities
1
: the quality or state of being frivolous
He has no patience for frivolity.
2
: a frivolous act or thing
He spends money on the latest fashions and other frivolities.

Examples of frivolity in a Sentence

He has no patience for frivolity. He spends money on the latest fashions and other frivolities.
Recent Examples on the Web Where most fictional depictions of the fashion world resort to camp and frivolity, La Maison takes its subject deadly seriously. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2024 Instead, Boy Swallows Universe offers a faithful and emotional depiction of addiction without any of the frivolities, whilst still incorporating humour and most importantly, optimism. Alexandra Koster, refinery29.com, 11 Jan. 2024 In all its frivolity, this Bridget Jones’s Diary showcase has a rich precedent. Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2024 This season’s tonal dissonance draws attention to the shallowness of the social commentary—and distracts from the self-aware frivolity that first endeared Emily in Paris to audiences. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for frivolity 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'frivolity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see frivolous

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of frivolity was in 1764

Dictionary Entries Near frivolity

Cite this Entry

“Frivolity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frivolity. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

frivolity

noun
fri·​vol·​i·​ty friv-ˈäl-ət-ē How to pronounce frivolity (audio)
plural frivolities
1
: the quality or state of being frivolous
2
: a frivolous act or thing

More from Merriam-Webster on frivolity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!