frivolity

noun

fri·​vol·​i·​ty fri-ˈvä-lə-tē 

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.

Synonyms of frivolity

• lightness
• silliness
• glee
• cheerfulness
• levity
• frivolousness
• flippancy

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

Photographer Phil Oh captures the drama and frivolity in Paris as designers present their latest couture collections. — Phil Oh, Vogue, 7 July 2026

There is also a modular set so that the party literally shifts and revolves and let the audience perceive the frivolities from multiple perspectives. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026

Dying was such a momentous thing to do, and while Matthew, their dear friend, their cousin-brother, had been off doing it, the women had occupied themselves with such frivolities as cleaning and heat. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Simone empties out the frivolities and installs her unique despair. — Wesley Morris, New York Times, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

see frivolous

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for frivolity

• causality
• equality
• sodality
• inequality
• jollity
• polity
• quality

Kids Definition

frivolity

noun

fri·​vol·​i·​ty friv-ˈäl-ət-ē 

plural frivolities

1

: the quality or state of being frivolous

2

: a frivolous act or thing