vanity

1 of 2

noun

van·​i·​ty ˈva-nə-tē How to pronounce vanity (audio)
plural vanities
1
: inflated pride in oneself or one's appearance : conceit
2
: something that is vain, empty, or valueless
3
b
: a bathroom cabinet containing a sink and usually having a countertop
4
: the quality or fact of being vain
5
: a fashionable trifle or knickknack
6
b
: a small case or handbag for toilet articles used by women

vanity

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or being a work (such as a book or recording) whose production cost is paid by the author or artist
2
: of, relating to, or being a showcase for a usually famous performer or artist who is often also the project's creator or driving force
write, direct, and star in a vanity film

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Vanity vs. Pride

People often turn to the dictionary in search of the minute and subtle differences between two similar words. The closely related duo of vanity and pride, which overlap significantly in some respects yet differ in others, offer one such example. Putting aside such uses as pride referring to “a company of lions” and vanity meaning “a dressing table,” each of these words may refer to a state of excessive self-esteem. However, pride may also signify a feeling of satisfaction or happiness (either in oneself or on behalf of others) based on something that is well done; vanity is unlikely to be used in this manner. For a well-worded explanation of this distinction, we might look to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, in which the character Mary opines: “Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.”

Examples of vanity in a Sentence

Noun The handsome actor's vanity was well-known. She described her accomplishments without exaggeration or vanity.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
These over-the-toilet storage ideas are great for spaces without a closet or large vanity, where storing extra toilet paper, towels, and toiletries can be challenging. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2024 There’s also a chic master retreat boasting a luxe bath equipped with dual vanities, a soaking tub and steam shower. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 29 Feb. 2024 Why waste vanity space with a separate blow dryer, straighter, and curling iron when one tool does it all? Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 27 Feb. 2024 Reputation is more important than anything else; don't sacrifice it for vanity metrics. Sai Karra, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 In it, Beyoncé poses at a vanity with little sample bottles lined up and her hand in her hair. Jessica Cruel, Allure, 20 Feb. 2024 The bathrooms include limestone flooring, Namibia white marble walls, custom vanities, freestanding bathtubs, and rain showers. Emma Reynolds, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 In the Queen’s Bedroom, a Tiffany blue vanity set is laid out on a table with a hairbrush, comb and perfume bottles that look poised for the return of their tiny owner. Megan Specia, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2024 Like a villain in a classic Disney film, Peltz’s motives seemed to be motivated by vanity rather than strategy. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2024
Adjective
That Earl got to run another record label, even a semi-vanity label like Rolling Stones Records, is a miracle. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vanity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English vanite, borrowed from Anglo-French vanité, borrowed from Latin vānitāt-, vānitās "emptiness, lack of judgment, foolish pride," from vānus "empty, lacking content" + -itāt-, -itās -ity — more at wane entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

circa 1925, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vanity was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near vanity

Cite this Entry

“Vanity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vanity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vanity

noun
van·​i·​ty
ˈvan-ət-ē
plural vanities
1
: something that is vain
2
: the quality or fact of being vain
3

More from Merriam-Webster on vanity

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