Word
trifle
Phoneticstri·fle, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɹaɪfəɫ/
UK/tɹˈaɪfəl/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a light dessert made of layers of cake, fruit, and cream. It is usually served in a large bowl or dish.
n. a light, layered dessert consisting of fruit, sponge cake, and whipped cream, typically served in a large bowl. Often used as a collective term for various similar desserts.
Examples
“We made a trifle for the party last night.”
“The chef prepared a classic trifle using fresh strawberries and vanilla custard for the wedding reception.”
“While the traditional trifle remains a staple of British tea culture, modern variations often incorporate exotic fruits and artisanal gels to appeal to contemporary palates.”
Examples
simple
“We made a trifle for the party last night.”
contextual
“The chef prepared a classic trifle using fresh strawberries and vanilla custard for the wedding reception.”
complex
“While the traditional trifle remains a staple of British tea culture, modern variations often incorporate exotic fruits and artisanal gels to appeal to contemporary palates.”
Real-World Examples
“On the whole, these are very fine, if perhaps a trifle restrained performances.” “Photograph: Hannah Blake-Fathers The second movement felt a trifle micro-managed and might have been lighter on its feet.” Etymology
From Middle English trifle, trifel, triful, trefle, truyfle, trufful, from Old French trufle (“mockery”), a byform of trufe, truffe (“deception”), of uncertain origin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/trifle