frivol

American

[friv-uhl] / ˈfrɪv əl /

verb (used without object)

frivoled, frivoling, frivolled, frivolling

to behave frivolously; trifle.

verb (used with object)

frivoled, frivoling, frivolled, frivolling

to spend frivolously (usually followed byaway ).

to frivol away one's time.

frivol British

/ ˈfrɪvəl /

verb

(intr) to behave frivolously; trifle
to waste on frivolous pursuits

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

frivoler noun
frivoller noun

Etymology

Origin of frivol

First recorded in 1865–70; back formation from frivolous

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There were few awards in fields of frivol: Oscars, Tonys, Grammys didn't exist.

From Time Magazine Archive

For his present visit, Gielgud apparently questioned the importance of being earnest: he would frivol first in Wilde's classic farce, later in Congreve's Restoration comedy, Love for Love.

From Time Magazine Archive

He only signaled to another guard—this one taller and older—who said, “Step aside, please, or we’ll have to arrest you. This is not a place to frivol with.”

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

Scotland forbade "the great liberty that sundry persons take in provoking each other to singular combats upon sudden and frivol occasions," without license from his majesty.

From The Age of the Reformation by Smith, Preserved

“But thee must let Peggy frivol a little,” protested Sally.

From Peggy Owen Patriot A Story for Girls by Madison, Lucy Foster

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023