thrifting

American  

[thrif-ting] / ˈθrɪf tɪŋ /

noun

1. shopping for secondhand goods, as at a thrift store.

   Rather than spending a ton on new, high-end designer suits and shoes, she attributes her style to the power of thrifting.

   We went thrifting together at a few local yard sales.

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Etymology

Origin of thrifting

First recorded in 1995–2000; thrift ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

She told the court that "Natalie was keen on thrifting and Stephen had bought a big coat in a charity shop".

From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026

Otherwise, thrifting risks becoming another hashtag, buzzword, and greenwashing tactic used to sell us more clothing that we ultimately don’t need.

From Slate • Jan. 26, 2026

He professes a love for James Franco, drinking Guinness, thrifting, dancing in random bathrooms and delivering confessions from bed.

From Salon • Dec. 26, 2025

Yet thrifting has been growing in popularity, even beyond the increasing numbers who value the treasure hunt and want to help the environment by keeping clothes and other items out of landfills.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

I’m always donating and going through my closet and putting it back into the thrifting community.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025