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 See More
Recent Examples on the Web Doherty is a commercial, editorial, and art photographer, and, across these genres, his pictures often feature mundane, everyday objects and figures. Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 28 Nov. 2023 And that’s also true for much more mundane biometric data such as fingerprints and face scans. Kevin Korte, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 These accounts have some of the most harrowing descriptions of war and also some of the more mundane, detailing everyday aspects of living in an area under siege. Desiree Adib, ABC News, 24 Nov. 2023 Once mundane family cars known as Falcon Verdes became symbols of terror and intimidation. Matthew Dursum, SPIN, 20 Nov. 2023 Going to the gym is often a lone experience, so to be able to enjoy fellowship and relish the warmth of sisterhood is an island of joy in an otherwise mundane routine. Zackary Drucker, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2023 To contemporary pop music’s most tame and mundane center? Chris Richards, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2023 Charlotte, feeling underwhelmed by her own achievements, navigates the challenges of a mundane job and financial constraints. Travis Bean, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023 The explosion is actually rendered on the surface of a closet door in a mundane apartment where the girls sit next to a pink bucket and a sewing machine. Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mundane.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 2 Dec. 2023.

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

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