1
: something of little value, substance, or importance
2
: a dessert typically consisting of plain or sponge cake often soaked with wine or spirits (such as brandy or rum) and topped with layers of preserves, custard, and cream
trifled; trifling
ˈtrī-f(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to treat someone or something as unimportant
b
: to talk in a jesting or mocking manner or with intent to delude or mislead
2
: to handle something idly
Synonyms
Examples of trifle in a Sentence
Noun
There's no reason to argue over such trifles.
The money is a mere trifle to me.
Verb
do not trifle with me unless you mean to ask me to marry you
spent a lazy afternoon trifling on the front porch
Recent Examples on the Web
Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2024
The approximately 4 minute difference seems like a trifle.
—Letter Writers, Twin Cities, 12 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for trifle 
Noun
This trifle will be the star of your Fourth of July party!
—Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2024
The approximately 4 minute difference seems like a trifle.
—Letter Writers, Twin Cities, 12 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for trifle
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trifle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Trifle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trifle. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
trifle
1 of 2 noun
tri·fle
ˈtrī-fəl
1
: something of little value or importance
2
: a dessert of sponge cake spread with jam or jelly covered with a custard and whipped cream
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