thrifty

[thrif-tee]

adjective

thriftier, thriftiest 

1. practicing thrift or economical management; frugal.

   a thrifty shopper.

   Synonyms: saving, sparing

2. thriving, prosperous, or successful.

3. thriving physically; growing vigorously.

thrifty

/ ˈθrɪftɪ /

adjective

1. showing thrift; economical or frugal

2. rare,  thriving or prospering

Other Word Forms

• thriftily adverb
• thriftiness noun
• overthriftily adverb
• overthriftiness noun
• overthrifty adjective
• unthriftily adverb
• unthriftiness noun
• unthrifty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrifty¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; thrift, -y ¹

Synonym Study

See frugal.

Example Sentences

Here are some other thrifty gifting tips from experts:

Read more on MarketWatch

"My grandfather's generation was very frugal, very thrifty. It is part of Chinese tradition. For Chinese people to be economical is in their bones," she says.

Read more on BBC

That thrifty spirit I cultivated when I was in my 20s is back—but why couldn’t I hold on to it when my income was at its peak?

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s thrifty, smart, and impossibly good — a dish that proves you don’t need much more than salt, acid, and time to make something sing.

Read more on Salon

Maquiladoras brought jobs to Mexico and thriftier price points for cost-conscious consumers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• frugal 
• prudent 
• stingy