thrift

[thrift]

noun

1. economical management; economy; frugality.

   My father valued thrift, hard work, and self-sufficiency.

   Memories of her thrift and capability inspire me.

2. Also called thrift institution. Banking.,  a savings and loan association, savings bank, or credit union.

   To help the thrifts survive, Congress deregulated the industry, lifting restrictions on the kinds of loans they could make.

3. 1. Also called sea pink. any alpine and maritime plant belonging to the genus Armeria, of the leadwort family, having pink or white flowers, especially A. maritima, noted for its vigorous growth.

   2. any of various similar or related plants.

4. vigorous growth, as of a plant.

5. Obsolete.,  prosperity.

verb (used with object)

1. to buy secondhand, as at a thrift store.

   I thrifted these purple suede pumps for ten bucks.

thrift

/ θrɪft /

noun

1. wisdom and caution in the management of money

2. Also called: sea pink. any of numerous perennial plumbaginaceous low-growing plants of the genus Armeria, esp A. maritima, of Europe, W Asia, and North America, having narrow leaves and round heads of pink or white flowers

3. rare,  vigorous thriving or growth, as of a plant

4. a building society, savings bank, or credit union

5. an obsolete word for prosperity

Other Word Forms

• nonthrift adjective
• thriftless adjective
• thriftlessly adverb
• thriftlessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrift¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English, from Old Norse: “well-being, prosperity”; thrive

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrift¹

C13: from Old Norse: success; see _thrive

Example Sentences

Thrifting and a snack The thrift stores in Pasadena, those places are so good.

From Los Angeles Times

Walk through a thrift store and you’ll see it mapped out in miniature: aisles of Instant Pots, bread makers, Ninja CREAMis, all lined up like monuments to good intentions.

From Salon

The defence claimed the case was like a "puzzle from a thrift shop" as it has pieces missing and there is not a complete picture.

From BBC

The defence in its opening statement claimed the case is like a "puzzle from a thrift shop" as it has pieces missing and there is not a complete picture.

From BBC

A favorite dress found in a thrift shop in Joshua Tree that I was hoping to wear but then, after a quick stab of regret, I realized it’s gone, along with everything else.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• austerity 
• frugality 
• prudence