thrift

[ thrift ]

noun

1. economical management; economy; frugality:

   My father valued thrift, hard work, and self-sufficiency.

   Memories of her thrift and capability inspire me.

2. Also called thrift in·sti·tu·tion [thrift, in-sti-too-sh, uh, n, -tyoo-]. Banking. a savings and loan association, savings bank, or credit union:

   To help the thrifts survive, Congress deregulated the industry, lifting restrictions on the kinds of loans they could make.

3. 1. Also called sea pink [see, pingk]. any alpine and maritime plant belonging to the genus Armeria, of the leadwort family, having pink or white flowers, especially A. maritima, noted for its vigorous growth.
   2. any of various similar or related plants.
4. vigorous growth, as of a plant.
5. Obsolete. prosperity.

verb (used with object)

1. to buy secondhand, as at a thrift store:

   I thrifted these purple suede pumps for ten bucks.

thrift

/ θrɪft /

noun

1. wisdom and caution in the management of money
2. Also calledsea pink any of numerous perennial plumbaginaceous low-growing plants of the genus Armeria, esp A. maritima, of Europe, W Asia, and North America, having narrow leaves and round heads of pink or white flowers
3. rare.
   vigorous thriving or growth, as of a plant
4. a building society, savings bank, or credit union
5. an obsolete word for prosperity

Derived Forms

• ˈthriftless, adjective
• ˈthriftlessly, adverb
• ˈthriftlessness, noun

Other Words From

• non·thrift adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrift¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English, from Old Norse: “well-being, prosperity”; thrive

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrift¹

C13: from Old Norse: success; see thrive

Example Sentences

In many ways, entering a thrift store, shopping secondhand online or even borrowing clothing from a friend is like engaging with one massive lost-and-found bin.

From Los Angeles Times

Amy: I want to believe that this child’s jacket that I found at a thrift store is lucky.

From Los Angeles Times

I bought slippery polyester button-downs and oversize men’s pants at local thrift stores.

From Los Angeles Times

This rings true for Quiquivix, who grew up in a suburb of Pomona and works as a manager of a thrift store by day.

From Los Angeles Times

Antique malls, consignment stores, flea markets, thrift stores and vintage shops: L.A. has it all when it comes to shopping for secondhand furniture.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• austerity
• frugality
• prudence