Frilly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective

Meaning & Definition of Frilly

Frilly (noun)

  1. a gathered, pleated, or bias-cut fabric edging used on clothing
  2. a strip of paper curled at one end and rolled to be slipped over the bone end (as of a chop) in serving
  3. a ruff of hair or feathers or a bony or cartilaginous projection about the neck of an animal

Frilly (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in extravagant, flamboyant

    similar: chichi, extravagant, exuberant, fancified, flamboyant, gimmicked (up), grandiose, ostentatious, overwrought, showy, souped-up, elegant, exquisite, grand, magnificent, ornate, splendid, Byzantine, convoluted, involute, involuted, labyrinthian, labyrinthine, complex, complicated, detailed, elaborate, fancy, intricate, involved, sophisticated
    opposite: no-frills, simple, unfancy, unsophisticated, modest, plain, plain-Jane, plain-vanilla, uncomplicated, bald, bare, naked, unadorned, undecorated, unvarnished

Related Entry: Frill (noun)

Frill is a different word from Frilly. The synonyms below are for frill, not for frilly.

  1. a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge and used as trimming

    "I just had to sew the frill onto the bottom of the skirt and the dress was finished"

    similar: flounce, furbelow, ruffle
    related: border, edging, fringe, trim, plait, pleat, ruff, bunting, skirting

  2. something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary

    "didn't get any food or drinks on the no-frills flight"

    similar: amenity, comfort, extra, indulgence, luxury, superfluity
    related: extravagance, nonessential, dainty, delicacy, nicety, treat, accessory, accoutrement, bells and whistles, option
    opposite: basic, essential, fundamental, must, necessity, requirement

  3. something that decorates or beautifies

    "a birthday cake decorated with frills like edible glitter"

    similar: adornment, beautifier, caparison, decoration, doodad, embellisher, embellishment, garnish, garnishment, garniture, ornament, ornamentation, setoff, trim
    related: apparel, bells and whistles, blazonry, bric-a-brac, chichi, emblazonry, filigree, finery, foofaraw, frippery, frosting, froufrou, fal-lal, flounce, flourish, furbelow, ruffle, enhancement, enrichment, improvement, appliqué, embossment, embroidery, fancywork, bedizenment, gilt, glitter, design, figure, pattern, furnishings, regalia, trappings
    near: blemish, defacement, disfigurement, scar, blot, spot, stain

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Frilly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Frilly:

chichi, extravagant, exuberant, fancified, flamboyant, gimmicked (up), grandiose, ostentatious, overwrought, showy, souped-up, elegant, exquisite, grand, magnificent, ornate, splendid, Byzantine, convoluted, involute, involuted, labyrinthian, labyrinthine, complex, complicated, detailed, elaborate, fancy, intricate, involved, sophisticated

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Frilly

Words with the opposite meaning of Frilly:

no-frills, simple, unfancy, unsophisticated, modest, plain, plain-Jane, plain-vanilla, uncomplicated, bald, bare, naked, unadorned, undecorated, unvarnished

Word Forms of Frilly

Derived words: frilly (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Frilly

perhaps from Dutch dialect (Brabant) frul ribbon bow, trifle

First known use: 1591

Frequently Asked Questions about Frilly

What does "Frilly" mean?

"Frilly" means a gathered, pleated, or bias-cut fabric edging used on clothing. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: a gathered, pleated, or bias-cut fabric edging used on clothing.

What is another word for "Frilly"?

Other words for "Frilly" include chichi, extravagant, exuberant, fancified, flamboyant, gimmicked (up), grandiose and ostentatious. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Frilly" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Frilly"?

There are 31 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Frilly". Common alternatives include chichi, extravagant, exuberant, fancified, flamboyant, gimmicked (up), grandiose, ostentatious, overwrought and showy.

What is the opposite of "Frilly"?

Antonyms of "Frilly" include no-frills, simple, unfancy, unsophisticated, modest, plain, plain-Jane and plain-vanilla.

Is "Frilly" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Frilly" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

What is the origin of the word "Frilly"?

"Frilly" comes from perhaps from Dutch dialect (Brabant) frul ribbon bow, trifle. First known use: 1591.

What is another word for "Frilly" meaning "as in extravagant, flamboyant"?

When "Frilly" (adjective) means as in extravagant, flamboyant, synonyms include chichi, extravagant, exuberant, fancified, flamboyant and gimmicked (up). Opposites in this sense include no-frills, simple, unfancy and unsophisticated.

What words are derived from "Frilly"?

Words derived from "Frilly" include frilly (adjective).