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Definition of "trifle" []

  • Something of little importance or value. (noun)
  • A small amount; a jot. (noun)
  • A dessert typically consisting of plain or sponge cake soaked in sherry, rum, or brandy and topped with layers of jam or jelly, custard, and whipped cream. (noun)
  • A moderately hard variety of pewter. (noun)
  • Utensils made from this variety of pewter. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "trifle" in a sentence
  • ""I would have given my life willingly for what you call a trifle, sir," said the marquis, with a bow to Osra."
  • "You can eat it as is, toast it, use it in trifle, to dip in chocolate fondue ... and probably a whole load of other things I haven't heard of."
  • "The leftovers tasted great, but each time we removed the trifle from the fridge the layers had sunk further, as the ladyfingers absorbed more of the sauce and cream, which had additionally deflated, thereby creating a sunken, lopsided look."