fritter

1 of 3

noun (1)

frit·​ter ˈfri-tər How to pronounce fritter (audio)
Synonyms of fritter
: a small mass of fried or sautéed batter often containing fruit or meat

fritter

2 of 3

verb

frittered; frittering; fritters

transitive verb

1
: to spend or waste bit by bit, on trifles, or without commensurate return
—usually used with away
frittered away their inheritance
2
: to break into small fragments

intransitive verb

: dissipate, dwindle
fritterer
ˈfri-tər-ər How to pronounce fritter (audio)
noun

fritterer

3 of 3

noun (2)

frit·​ter·​er -itərə(r) How to pronounce fritterer (audio)
-itə-
plural -s
: one that fritters

Synonyms of fritter

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Noun (1)

Verb

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Examples of fritter in a Sentence

Noun (1) she loves eating corn fritters with maple syrup Verb quit frittering away the afternoon playing video games and get some housework done!
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
These fritters are reminiscent of hush puppies, but are much lighter and richer in flavor. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 The doughnut shop is especially known for its red delicious apple fritters made with fresh apples. — Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register, 20 June 2026
Verb
In the final, against a white-hot Kostyuk, Andreeva never got into the first set and then frittered a lead in the second. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 2 June 2026 Charlotte nearly frittered it all away at the end, as what was a 19-point lead midway through the third quarter evaporated to one point in the final seconds. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fritter

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English fritour, from Anglo-French friture, from Vulgar Latin *frictura, from Latin frictus, past participle of frigere to roast

Verb

fritter, noun (fragment, shred)

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1728, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fritter was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing fritter

Rhymes for fritter

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Browse Nearby Words

fritted
fritter
fritter away
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fritter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fritter. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fritter

1 of 2 noun
frit·​ter ˈfrit-ər How to pronounce fritter (audio)
: a small lump of fried batter often containing fruit or meat

fritter

2 of 2 verb
: to spend or use up bit by bit especially on worthless things
—usually used with away
frittered away his savings
fritterer
-ər-ər How to pronounce fritter (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fritter

Nglish: Translation of fritter for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fritter

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