frivolity

noun

fri·​vol·​i·​ty fri-ˈvä-lə-tē How to pronounce frivolity (audio)
plural frivolities
Synonyms of frivolitynext
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.
Their needs are too great to waste any more time on frivolities such as sales-tax breaks on gun sales or concert tickets or the governor’s never-ending fixation on drag queens. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026 The media’s historical focus on higher-profile candidates and outsiders may reflect not press frivolity but rather genuine shifts in voter sentiment during periods of discontent with conventional politicians and established governance approaches. Los Angeles Times, 4 Jan. 2026 While Harrison Ford gets first billing, women rule this absolutely rollicking flick (with nods to its screwball forebears) that is at once a riot, a smart exploration of the era’s frivolity, and an interrogation of class, power structures, ambition, and loyalty. John Ortved, Vogue, 28 Nov. 2025 Sending up the no-stakes frivolity of progressive Reform Judaism, characters played by Seth Rogen and Kate Berlant get some insight-free chuckles. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 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 25 Jan. 2026.

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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