Thrift means using money and resources carefully, avoiding waste, and finding smart ways to make what you have go further. A thrifty person might shop at secondhand stores, repair broken items instead of replacing them, or save leftover food rather than throwing it away.

People who practice thrift often do better in the long run because they're not constantly running out of money or supplies. Before credit cards and easy borrowing became common, thrift was considered one of the most important habits a person could develop.

You'll see the word in thrift store (a shop selling used items at low prices) and thrift shop. Some people hunt through thrift stores looking for treasures, finding perfectly good clothes, books, or furniture that someone else no longer wanted.

Thrift doesn't mean being stingy or cheap. A thrifty person might spend money generously on important things while avoiding pointless waste. If you buy a quality winter coat that will last for years instead of a flimsy one you'll need to replace next season, that's thrift. If you turn off lights in empty rooms or use both sides of your notebook paper, you're practicing thrift too.