mundane

adjective

mun·​dane ˌmən-ˈdān How to pronounce mundane (audio)
ˈmən-ˌdān
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the world
2
: characterized by the practical, transitory, and ordinary : commonplace
the mundane concerns of day-to-day life
mundanely adverb
mundaneness
ˌmən-ˈdān-nəs How to pronounce mundane (audio)
ˈmən-ˌdān-
noun
mundanity noun
Choose the Right Synonym for mundane

earthly, worldly, mundane mean belonging to or characteristic of the earth.

earthly often implies a contrast with what is heavenly or spiritual.

abandoned earthly concerns and entered a convent

worldly and mundane both imply a relation to the immediate concerns and activities of human beings, worldly suggesting tangible personal gain or gratification

worldly goods

and mundane suggesting reference to the immediate and practical.

a mundane discussion of finances

Examples of mundane in a Sentence

On him, a mundane navy blazer looked like an Armani dinner jacket; around him, a dusky locker room became the chandeliered lobby of the Savoy. Curry Kirkpatrick, ESPN, 19 Mar. 2001
How did our ancestors pass from the mundane activity of counting to the concept of 'number' in the abstract, devoid of any particular collection of objects to label? John D. Barrow, Pi in the Sky, 1992
They decided on buttock tattoos, rather than the more mundane engagement ring, because a tattoo is permanent. You can always pawn a ring. Mike Royko, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 1988
The day began with the mundane business of getting my white chiffon dress shortened … Lady Bird Johnson, January 14, 1964, in A White House Diary1970
mundane chores, like washing dishes They lead a pretty mundane life. prayer and meditation helped her put her mundane worries aside
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.
Early in the film, Berger wanted the audience to see those working and living in the Vatican, despite where the ancient robes, had cell phones and engaged in that same mundane aspects of modern life as those in the audience. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 30 Nov. 2024 But does learning the mundane origins of my favorite childhood song change my reaction to it? Tom Zoellner, SPIN, 27 Nov. 2024 With platform engineering, developers can be freed from the burdens of managing mundane tasks and can shift their focus to building innovative software solutions. Jiani Zhang, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 But sometimes, the most mundane of updates can provide the greatest comfort. Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mundane 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mondeyne, from Anglo-French mundain, from Late Latin mundanus, from Latin mundus world

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mundane was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near mundane

Cite this Entry

“Mundane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mundane. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

mundane

adjective
mun·​dane ˌmən-ˈdān How to pronounce mundane (audio)
ˈmən-ˌdān
1
: of or relating to the world : worldly
2
: having to do with the practical details of everyday life
mundanely adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on mundane

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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