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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Renoir’s film dramatized the end of an era (of high-society frivolities, as war loomed), and so does Anderson’s; namely, the end of the age of buccaneer industrialism. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2025 Yet, for all the frivolities, there are some key differences to consider, chiefly in the domestic schedules. Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 To see a neighborhood this affluent leveled feels, for a moment, like proof that a storm or quake or fire does not care about frivolities like net worth. Joseph Bien-Kahn, Rolling Stone, 24 Jan. 2025 One unexpected joy of League Pass life is the arena feed, which shows us what’s on the jumbotron during timeouts (mascot skits, archival content, dance promotions and many other frivolities). Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for frivolity

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Frivolity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frivolity. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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
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