trivia

¹

[ triv-ee-uh ]

plural noun

1. matters or things that are very unimportant, inconsequential, or nonessential; trifles; trivialities.

Trivia

²

[ triv-ee-uh ]

noun

1. (in Roman religion) Diana: so called because she was the goddess of three-way crossroads and also because she was regarded as a deity with three personae.

trivia

/ ˈtrɪvɪə /

noun

1. functioning as singular or plural petty details or considerations; trifles; trivialities

Word History and Origins

Origin of trivia¹

1900–05; pseudo-Latin trivia (neuter plural), taken as the base of trivial

Origin of trivia²

First recorded in 1700–10; from Latin, feminine of trivius (adj.), derivative of trivium “place where three roads meet,” equivalent to tri- tri- + -vium, derivative of via “way, road”

Word History and Origins

Origin of trivia¹

from New Latin, plural of Latin trivium junction of three roads; for meaning, see trivial

Example Sentences

With every bit of trivia I learned, the walk I thought I knew well surprised me, like a longtime acquaintance shedding their persona, revealing unexpected sides of themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

On Monday’s episode of the trivia show, the “Jeopardy!” host and game-show G.O.A.T. awkwardly delivered a clue in the “Complete the Rhyming Phrase” category.

From Los Angeles Times

But it’s these kinds of facts and trivia that he likes to pepper into his walks.

From Los Angeles Times

These lightning-fast olfactory capabilities are not interesting merely as biological trivia.

From Salon

There’s a movie studio tour for every type of Angeleno, whether you’re a seeker of movie trivia, cinematic magic or that perfect Central Perk selfie.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• memorabilia
• minutiae