noun

thrifting

THRIF-ting

Quiz me More like this

Thrifting (noun) means the activity of shopping for second-hand clothes and other goods in charity shops, thrift stores and similar places, both to save money and to find unusual items. Example: “We spent Saturday thrifting and came back with two coats and a lamp.”

noun

The activity of shopping for second-hand clothes and other goods in charity shops, thrift stores and similar places, both to save money and to find unusual items.

"We spent Saturday thrifting and came back with two coats and a lamp."

"Thrifting has become a whole aesthetic on social media."

verb

Present participle of thrift, meaning to buy something second-hand from a thrift store.

"She thrifted the entire outfit for under twenty pounds."

How to use thrifting

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishShopping for second-hand things in charity or thrift shops.

When to use it

Informal and chiefly American in origin, now widely understood. British speakers more often say charity shopping, Australians say op shopping.

Memory tip

Thrifted is used as an adjective for the item — 'a thrifted jacket' — while thrifting names the activity.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

vintage shopping flipping → upcycling

Common pairings

go thrifting thrifted finds thrifting haul

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like thrifting.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “thrifting” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

We spent Saturday _____ and came back with two coats and a lamp.

Etymology

From thrift store, itself from thrift in the sense of careful management of money.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

charity shopping op shopping second-hand shopping

Rhymes for thrifting

lifting sifting shifting drifting uplifting shoplifting weightlifting

See all rhymes for thrifting →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between thrifting and vintage shopping?

Thrifting means buying whatever second-hand goods turn up in charity or thrift shops, at low prices and with no curation. Vintage shopping means buying older items selected for their era, condition and label, usually from a specialist dealer at much higher prices.

What is thrifting called in the UK?

Charity shopping, or simply going round the charity shops. Thrifting is understood in Britain because of American social media but thrift store is not the usual local term.

What is the meaning of thrifting?

"thrifting" (noun) means the activity of shopping for second-hand clothes and other goods in charity shops, thrift stores and similar places, both to save money and to find unusual items.

What is another word for thrifting?

Other words for "thrifting" include charity shopping, op shopping, second-hand shopping.