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.
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 This film is a lyrical study of beauty and identity that balances the weight of internalized shame with the frivolity of a burgeoning romance. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2025 After a couple of hours of gentle frivolity, the real London is back. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 So often, there's a silliness or frivolity associated with it. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 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 24 May. 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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