1
: careful about spending money or using things when you do not need to : using money or supplies in a very careful way
He's a frugal shopper.
—often + withShe's very frugal with her money.
2
: simple and plain
a frugal meal of bread and cheese
Cite this Entry
“Frugal.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/frugal. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.
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