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.

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

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

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

I'm only fit to ride and dance and motor and frivol.

From Madcap by Gibbs, George

I didn't come down here to frivol, Ted; I leave that to you.

From Phebe, Her Profession A Sequel to Teddy: Her Book by Ray, Anna Chapin

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