vanity

noun van·i·ty \ ˈva-nə-tē \

|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Examples: vanity in a Sentence

Editor's Note: vanity vs. pride

Definition of vanity

plural vanities

1 : inflated pride in oneself or one's appearance : conceit

2 : something that is vain, empty, or valueless

3 a : dressing table

b : a bathroom cabinet containing a sink and usually having a countertop

4 : the quality or fact of being vain

5 : a fashionable trifle or knickknack

6 a : ³compact a

b : a small case or handbag for toilet articles used by women

See vanity defined for English-language learners

See vanity defined for kids

Examples of vanity in a Sentence

The handsome actor's vanity was well-known.
She described her accomplishments without exaggeration or vanity.

Recent Examples of vanity from the Web

The bathroom also has a window as well as a tile floor, a double vanity, and a tiled shower with a glass door.

— mary murphy, courant.com, "Property of the Week: Essex Glen," 6 June 2018
Inside, there is a largeness theme, as in a large driver’s footrest, large sliding visors with large vanity mirrors and a large locking glove box.

— mark maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2018 Honda Accord 2.0T: Near perfect, in an imperfect world," 1 June 2018
The upstairs master suite includes plenty of closet space and a spa bath with double vanity, marble counters and tiled walk-in shower.

— joey morona, cleveland.com, "Historical home in Hudson asks $575,000: Akron House of the Week," 16 Apr. 2018
Apparent meltdowns, feuds, and lavish displays of vanity created a persona that some found poignant, some found campily amusing, and some found horrifying.

— spencer kornhaber, The Atlantic, "When a 'Diva' Is Diagnosed," 11 Apr. 2018
My vanity was completely tidal-waved by the need to just nourish this thing.

— andrea park, Allure, "Anna Faris Opens Up About Plastic Surgery In May Women’s Health Issue," 10 Apr. 2018
The master suite on the main floor includes a double bathroom vanity and 12-foot-by-14-foot walk-in closet.

— emma kate fittes, Indianapolis Star, "Hot Property: Inside a $750K Indianapolis home," 30 Mar. 2018
An old buffet cabinet found in Picayune, Miss., was chalk painted and repurposed as a vanity with white basin sinks.

— susan langenhennig, NOLA.com, "The perfect beach retreat: French Quarter gallery owner renovates a cozy Bay St. Louis cottage," 21 Mar. 2018
Of course, vanity itself is nothing new (just ask Carly Simon).

— chloe metzger, Marie Claire, "I’m in Love With Myself: The Age of Digital Narcissism," 12 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vanity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

vanity vs. pride

People often turn to the dictionary in search of the minute and subtle differences between two similar words. The closely related duo of vanity and pride, which overlap significantly in some respects yet differ in others, offer one such example. Putting aside such uses as pride referring to “a company of lions” and vanity meaning “a dressing table,” each of these words may refer to a state of excessive self-esteem. However, pride may also signify a feeling of satisfaction or happiness (either in oneself or on behalf of others) based on something that is well done; vanity is unlikely to be used in this manner. For a well-worded explanation of this distinction, we might look to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, in which the character Mary opines: “Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.”

Origin and Etymology of vanity

Middle English vanite, borrowed from Anglo-French vanité, borrowed from Latin vānitāt-, vānitās "emptiness, lack of judgment, foolish pride," from vānus "empty, lacking content" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at ¹wane

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 2

See Words from the same year

vanity Synonyms

vanity

adjective

Definition of vanity

1 : of, relating to, or being a work (such as a book or recording) whose production cost is paid by the author or artist

2 : of, relating to, or being a showcase for a usually famous performer or artist who is often also the project's creator or driving force

write, direct, and star in a vanity film

First Known Use of vanity

circa 1925

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

VANITY Defined for English Language Learners

vanity

noun

Definition of vanity for English Language Learners

: the quality of people who have too much pride in their own appearance, abilities, achievements, etc. : the quality of being vain
: something (such as a belief or a way of behaving) which shows that you have too much pride in yourself, your social status, etc.
: a bathroom cabinet that is covered by a sink and a countertop