Thrift

Pronunciation

• enPR: thrÄ­ft, IPA: /θɹɪft/
• Rhymes: -ɪft

Origin

From Old Norse þrift ("thriving condition, prosperity").

Webster 1913|thrift

Full definition of thrift

Noun

1. (uncountable) The characteristic of using a minimum of something (especially money).His thrift can be seen in how little the trashman takes from his house.
• unknown date SpenserThe rest, ... willing to fall to thrift, prove very good husbands.
2. (countable, US) A savings bank.Usually home mortgages are obtained from thrifts.
3. (countable) Any of various plants of the genus Armeria, particularly .
4. (obsolete) Success and advance in the acquisition of property; increase of worldly goods; gain; prosperity.
• unknown date ShakespeareI have a mind presages me such thrift.
5. (obsolete) Vigorous growth, as of a plant.

Antonyms

• spendthrift

Derived terms

• thrifty
• thrift shop
• thrift store