trifle

5 definitions • 9 examples

a sweet cold dish consisting of a layer of fruit and cake, a layer of custard (= thick, sweet, yellow sauce) and a top layer of cream:

a sherry trifle

a matter or object of little value or importance:

I brought a few trifles back from India - pieces of jewellery and fabric mainly.

slightly:

I'm a trifle confused about the arrangements for tonight.

I have to say, his comment strikes me as a trifle disingenuous.

I felt it was a trifle unfeeling of her.

He was a trifle smug, I thought, on hearing the news.

"I've tried to persuade him to change his mind," said Lauren, a trifle wearily.

"I'm ready when you are," he said, a trifle impatiently.

a matter or item of little value or importance

A trifle means slightly or to a small degree:

He admits to being a trifle nervous before every show.