English Reference
Noun

trifle

n.
C1 Advanced US /ˈtɹaɪfəɫ/ UK /tɹˈaɪfəl/ tri·fle UK spelling trifled, trifles Cooking

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.


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.

On the whole, these are very fine, if perhaps a trifle restrained performances.

The Guardian· 20 Aug 2026

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.

This entry
Origin Middle English trifle
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated