First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1trifle
noun tri·fle \ˈtrī-fəl\
: something that does not have much value or importance
: a dessert made of layers of cake, jam or jelly, and custard and topped with whipped cream
Full Definition of TRIFLE
1
: something of little value, substance, or importance
2
: a dessert typically consisting of plain or sponge cake often soaked with wine or spirits (as brandy or rum) and topped with layers of preserves, custard, and cream
— a trifle
: to some small degree : slightly <a trifle annoyed>
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Origin of TRIFLE
Middle English trufle, trifle, from Anglo-French trufle, triffle fraud, trick, nonsense
Related to TRIFLE
- Synonyms
- bagatelle, child's play, frippery, nonproblem, nothing, picayune, shuck(s), small beer, small change, triviality
2trifle
verb
tri·fledtri·fling \-f(ə-)liŋ\
Definition of TRIFLE
intransitive verb
1
a : to talk in a jesting or mocking manner or with intent to delude or mislead b : to treat someone or something as unimportant
2
: to handle something idly
transitive verb
See trifle defined for English-language learners
Origin of TRIFLE
Middle English truflen, triflen, from Anglo-French trufler to trick, talk nonsense
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of TRIFLE
trifle, toy, dally, flirt, coquet mean to deal with or act toward without serious purpose. trifle may imply playfulness, unconcern, indulgent contempt <to trifle with a lover's feelings>. toy implies acting without full attention or serious exertion of one's powers <a political novice toying with great issues>. dally suggests indulging in thoughts or plans merely as an amusement <dallying with the idea of building a boat someday>. flirt implies an interest or attention that soon passes to another object <flirted with one fashionable ism after another>. coquet implies attracting interest or admiration without serious intention <companies that coquet with environmentalism solely for public relations>.
TRIFLE Defined for Kids
1trifle
noun tri·fle \ˈtrī-fəl\
Definition of TRIFLE for Kids
: something of little value or importance
2trifle
verb
tri·fledtri·fling
Definition of TRIFLE for Kids
: to treat (someone or something) as unimportant <Robin … was the more muscular of the twins and not to be trifled with. — Susan Cooper, The Dark is Rising>
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