vanity

1 of 2

noun

van·i·ty ˈva-nə-tē

plural vanities

Synonyms of vanity next

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

: something that is vain, empty, or valueless

: dressing table

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

: the quality or fact of being vain

: a fashionable trifle or knickknack

: compact entry 3 sense a

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

vanity

2 of 2

adjective

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

: 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

Did you know?

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.”

Example Sentences

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In the model unit, the third- floor hall bathroom has a shower-tub combo and a single white vanity with a speckled white granite countertop. —

Benjamin C Tankersley, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2023 Primary Bath Retrofitted for use as a vanity, the antique commode got a new onyx top. —

Kristen Flanagan, House Beautiful, 16 Feb. 2023 An oak demilune table has been turned into a sink vanity, and there’s an antique milking-stool table and a generous shower. —

Jura Koncius, ELLE Decor, 2 Feb. 2023 This rustic farmhouse bathroom features a white clawfoot tub, a white oak vanity and white pebble stone flooring for a modern design. —

Alyssa Gautieri, Good Housekeeping, 1 Feb. 2023 This folding mirror doubles as a portable vanity and compact mirror. —

Kaitlyn Mcinnis, Travel + Leisure, 24 Jan. 2023 Showcase Redend Point in an entryway that greets guests with an inviting welcome, or on furniture, such as a bathroom vanity, to create an eye-catching focal point. —

Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2023 There is nearly no reason to leave this corner of paradise with its attached bathroom that includes a Kohler soaking tub, walk-in shower, dual sinks and a vanity to primp for the day. —

Brianna Griff, Chron, 1 Jan. 2023 The primary suite features a fireplace, spacious dressing room and luxurious bathroom with a double vanity and standup shower. —

Joey Morona, cleveland, 16 Dec. 2022

Adjective

That Earl got to run another record label, even a semi-vanity label like Rolling Stones Records, is a miracle. —

Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2022 See More

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.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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 wane entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

circa 1925, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of vanity was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century