folly

noun

fol·​ly ˈfä-lē How to pronounce folly (audio)
plural follies
1
: lack of good sense or normal prudence and foresight
his folly in thinking he could not be caught
2
a
: criminally or tragically foolish actions or conduct
b
obsolete : evil, wickedness
especially : lewd behavior
3
: a foolish act or idea
The prank was a youthful folly.
4
: an excessively costly or unprofitable undertaking
Paying so much for that land was folly, since it was all rocks and scrub trees.
5
: an often extravagant picturesque building erected to suit a fanciful taste

Examples of folly in a Sentence

the folly of driving fast on steep, winding roads his folly in thinking that he would not be noticed The folly of such an action should be apparent to everyone. the follies of the modern world the famous Ziegfeld Follies of the 1920s
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.
Situated between a residential home and a pastoral western garden, the folly serves as both a literal and symbolic gateway. New Atlas, 25 June 2025 As a result, even if the Supreme Court rules that the Administration has exceeded its authority, the current tariff follies will likely persist. Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Mulaney, in a similar vein, seems to be either forever mocking Netflix for this folly or still trying to sell the premise of the show, even as the network pours in however many millions already committed. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2025 And now he’s left us, when once again brutality is massing behind its shields, and once again compassion has acquired the nobility of true folly. James Parker, The Atlantic, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for folly

Word History

Etymology

Middle English folie, from Anglo-French, from fol fool

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of folly was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Folly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folly. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

folly

noun
fol·​ly ˈfäl-ē How to pronounce folly (audio)
plural follies
1
: lack of good sense or judgment
2
: foolish behavior
3
: a foolish act or idea

More from Merriam-Webster on folly

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