¹vanity

noun van·i·ty \ˈva-nə-tē\

: the quality of people who have too much pride in their own appearance, abilities, achievements, etc. : the quality of being vain

: something (such as a belief or a way of behaving) which shows that you have too much pride in yourself, your social status, etc.

: a bathroom cabinet that is covered by a sink and a countertop

plural van·i·ties

Full Definition of VANITY

: something that is vain, empty, or valueless

: the quality or fact of being vain

: inflated pride in oneself or one's appearance : conceit

: a fashionable trifle or knickknack

a : ³compact a

b : a small case or handbag for toilet articles used by women

a : dressing table

b : a bathroom cabinet containing a sink and usually having a countertop

See vanity defined for English-language learners

See vanity defined for kids

Origin of VANITY

Middle English vanite, from Anglo-French vanité, from Latin vanitat-, vanitas quality of being empty or vain, from vanus empty, vain — more at wane

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to VANITY

Synonyms: amour propre, bighead, complacency, conceit, conceitedness, ego, egotism, pomposity, pompousness, pride, pridefulness, self-admiration, self-assumption, self-conceit, self-congratulation, self-esteem, self-glory, self-importance, self-love, self-opinion, self-satisfaction, smugness, swelled head, swellheadedness, vaingloriousness, vainglory, vainness, complacence

Antonyms: humbleness, humility, modesty

Rhymes with VANITY

sanity

²vanity

adjective

Definition of VANITY

: of, relating to, or being a work (as a book or recording) whose production cost is paid by the author or artist

: of, relating to, or being a showcase for a usually famous performer or artist who is often also the project's creator or driving force <write, direct, and star in a vanity film>