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

Then you wouldn't let me practice; you told me to frivol, I remember.

From Project Gutenberg

That's Mademoiselle Frivol, and she's appearin' in a new character.

From Project Gutenberg

So frivolous time wore on, and Barty found it pleasant to frivol in such pleasant company—very pleasant indeed!

From Project Gutenberg

They frivol en masse, and to do it they naturally choose the sea-beach as a habitat.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course, I like sensible conversation; one feels humiliated if a man does nothing but frivol, but there is a happy medium.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blow
• expend
• lavish
• misuse
• waste