plural follies
1
: lack of good sense or normal prudence and foresight
his folly in thinking he could not be caught
2
a
: criminally or tragically foolish actions or conduct
b
3
: a foolish act or idea
The prank was a youthful folly.
4
: an excessively costly or unprofitable undertaking
Paying so much for that land was folly, since it was all rocks and scrub trees.
5
: an often extravagant picturesque building erected to suit a fanciful taste
Examples of folly in a Sentence
the folly of driving fast on steep, winding roads
his folly in thinking that he would not be noticed
The folly of such an action should be apparent to everyone.
the follies of the modern world
the famous Ziegfeld Follies of the 1920s
Recent Examples on the Web
Israel’s war with Iran is over Unfortunately, the history of foreign policy and military mistakes shows the folly of assuming one’s opponents will behave as desired.
—
Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Harry Macklowe’s folly could end up providing the ultimate test in the conflict between wealth and the code.
—Andrew Rice, Curbed, 26 June 2025
For decades, the notion of pro hockey in the stifling heat and humidity of South Florida was dismissed as pure folly, even though the region is full of northern transplants who love the sport.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Overestimating one’s worth or underestimating it, just like having too big or too small an ego, were equal follies.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for folly
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Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Harry Macklowe’s folly could end up providing the ultimate test in the conflict between wealth and the code.
—Andrew Rice, Curbed, 26 June 2025
For decades, the notion of pro hockey in the stifling heat and humidity of South Florida was dismissed as pure folly, even though the region is full of northern transplants who love the sport.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Overestimating one’s worth or underestimating it, just like having too big or too small an ego, were equal follies.
—Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for folly
Cite this Entry
“Folly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folly. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
folly
noun
fol·ly
ˈfäl-ē 
plural follies
1
: lack of good sense or judgment
2
: foolish behavior
3
: a foolish act or idea
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