frivol

[ friv-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, friv·oled, friv·ol·ing or (especially British) friv·olled, friv·ol·ling.

1. to behave frivolously; trifle.

verb (used with object)

, friv·oled, friv·ol·ing or (especially British) friv·olled, friv·ol·ling.

1. to spend frivolously (usually followed by away ):

   to frivol away one's time.

frivol

/ ˈfrɪvəl /

verb

1. intr to behave frivolously; trifle
2. troften foll byaway to waste on frivolous pursuits

Derived Forms

• ˈfrivoller, noun

Other Words From

• frivol·er especially British, frivol·ler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of frivol¹

First recorded in 1865–70; back formation from frivolous

Word History and Origins

Origin of frivol¹

C19: back formation from frivolous

Example Sentences

Yachting on the Mediterranean, or frivolling on the Riviera.

From Project Gutenberg

"Because a Minister's stock of loving kindness is apt to be low on Monday, and he is tired and not disposed to frivol, or talk of unsacred things."

From Project Gutenberg

The young people had no part in the joys of the 1914 Class breakfast and "frivol" beyond laughing uproariously at the account of it which they received later from the elders who were there.

From Project Gutenberg

I don't think there seemed to be any real harm in that sort of frivolling.

From Project Gutenberg

Whether some superstitious lady thought that the wearing of horns would keep away the evil eye, or whether it was a mere frivol of some vain Duchess, I do not know.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blow
• expend
• lavish
• misuse
• waste