Definition

1. Noun:
   • An ornamental strip of fabric that is pleated or gathered and attached as a decoration, typically on clothing or soft furnishings. This is the most common meaning, referring to a decorative trim.
   • A natural fringe of feathers, hair, or skin around the neck of an animal or bird. This meaning describes a biological feature.
   • (Paleontology) A bony plate that curves upward from the back of the skull in certain dinosaurs, notably ceratopsians. This is a specialized scientific term.
   • (Often plural: frills) Unnecessary or showy additions or embellishments. This figurative meaning refers to extra features that are decorative but not essential.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Decorative Trim):
  • The little girl's dress had a lace frill around the collar.
  • She added a frill to the edge of the curtain for a more elegant look.
• Noun (Biological Feature):
  • The lizard displayed its colorful neck frill to intimidate the rival.
  • Some breeds of chicken have impressive feather frills.
• Noun (Paleontology):
  • The Triceratops is famous for the large frill at the back of its skull.
• Noun (Figurative, usually plural):
  • This basic model comes without any unnecessary frills.
  • He prefers simple food with no frills.

Advanced Usage

• "No-frills" (Adjective): Describing something that is basic, simple, and without any extra or luxurious features.
  • We booked a no-frills flight to save money.
  • It's a no-frills restaurant that serves excellent, affordable food.

Variants and Related Words

• Frilly (Adjective): Having or decorated with frills.
  • She wore a frilly pink blouse.
• Frilled (Adjective): Having a frill or frills.
  • The frilled lizard is named for the large skin flap around its neck.

Synonyms

• Ruffle: A strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge, very similar to a frill.
• Furbelow: An old-fashioned or derogatory term for a showy ornament or frill, especially on clothing.
• Flounce: A wide strip of fabric gathered and sewn to a garment, similar to a frill but often fuller.
• Embellishment: Something that decorates or adds detail; can be used figuratively like "frills."

Idioms and Phrases

• To put on frills: To behave in an affectedly elegant or showy manner; to put on airs.
  • Ever since she got that promotion, she's been putting on frills.
• Without frills: Simply and directly; without any extra features.
  • He told me the news without frills.

Noun

1. ornamental objects of no great value
2. a strip of pleated material used as a decoration or a trim
3. an external body part consisting of feathers or hair about the neck of a bird or other animal
4. (paleontology) a bony plate that curves upward behind the skull of many ceratopsian dinosaurs