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vanity

noun
van·​i·​ty | \ ˈva-nə-tē How to pronounce vanity (audio) \
plural vanities

Definition of vanity

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : inflated pride in oneself or one's appearance : conceit
2 : something that is vain, empty, or valueless
3a : dressing table
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
6a : compact entry 3 sense a
b : a small case or handbag for toilet articles used by women

vanity

adjective

Definition of vanity (Entry 2 of 2)

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
Synonyms & Antonyms Vanity vs. Pride Example Sentences Learn More about vanity

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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

 All bedrooms are upstairs, and the master bath features double sinks, a bath and separate shower and vanity area. — Emilia Benton, Houston Chronicle, "Custom-built home available in West University," 31 Aug. 2019 Korean skincare products are a staple on American vanities, and our routines are constantly expanding to accommodate the next big k-beauty discovery. — Taylore Glynn, Harper's BAZAAR, "Eight Skin-Transforming Secrets from a Korean Facialist," 22 Aug. 2019 But that hasn't stopped anti-Trump Republicans from scrambling to map out potential campaigns, driven by varying mixes of duty, conservative ire, ambition, vanity and loathing for Trump. — Author: Robert Costa, Philip Rucker, Anchorage Daily News, "Trump critics eye GOP primary challenges - even if defeating him seems ‘daunting’," 22 Aug. 2019 Two bedrooms share a large bathroom with two separate vanities and tub/shower combination. — Monica Lander, The Mercury News, "Sponsored: This classic, lovingly crafted home built by Branagh blends formality with all the comforts you desire," 21 Aug. 2019 There’s zeal but also a survivor’s earned vanity to some of the women’s stories. — Lisa Kennedy, The Know, "Can they get an amen? Vintage Theatre goes to church with “Crowns: A Gospel Musical”," 5 July 2019 This is going to sting for a while, particularly given the now-very public shift in perception between the Knicks and Nets, the latter of whom now have a strong case as New York’s vanity franchise. — Jeremy Woo, SI.com, "Kevin Durant Free Agency Losers: Where Do Runner-Ups Go From Here?," 30 June 2019 Californians can expect to pay again—and again, and again—for their state’s bonfire of liberal vanities. — Allysia Finley, WSJ, "The Troubles Beneath the Surface of California’s Comeback," 28 June 2019 Tip-offs help law enforcement, Stark says, adding that vanity also plays a part. — National Geographic, "In the Alaska-Yukon wilderness, wildlife crime fighters face a daunting task," 25 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vanity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of vanity

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Adjective

circa 1925, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for vanity

Noun

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

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More Definitions for vanity

vanity

noun
How to pronounce vanity (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of vanity

: the quality of people who have too much pride in their own appearance, abilities, achievements, etc. : the quality of being vain
: something (such as a belief or a way of behaving) which shows that you have too much pride in yourself, your social status, etc.
: a bathroom cabinet that is covered by a sink and a countertop

See the full definition for vanity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

vanity

noun
van·​i·​ty | \ ˈva-nə-tē How to pronounce vanity (audio) \
plural vanities

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