plain-vanilla

adjective

plain-va·​nil·​la
: lacking special features or qualities : basic

Examples of plain-vanilla in a Sentence

we decided to buy the plain-vanilla model because we don't have a lot of money to spend on extras
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even plain-vanilla index funds like the InfraCap MLP ETF (AMZA) deal with dividend declines; unlike traditional companies that will maintain a specific dividend level, MLPs’ distributions tend to shift with their profits. Brett Owens, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Central bank policymakers embarked on their rate-hiking journey in March 2022, which had the pleasant side effect of boosting yields on a range of plain-vanilla investments, including Treasury bills and certificates of deposit. Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2024 The resolution was a plain-vanilla environmental proposal urging the company to work harder to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of its products and to be more transparent about the impact of its business on the climate. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2024 Vanguard pioneered this plain-vanilla, total-market approach with index funds with clear labels, like Vanguard Total Stock Market, Vanguard Total Bond Market and Vanguard Total International Stock Market. Jeff Sommer, New York Times, 10 May 2024 Our plain-vanilla incentives are 35% plus a 2% to 4% percent kicker for diversity. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 20 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plain-vanilla was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near plain-vanilla

Cite this Entry

“Plain-vanilla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plain-vanilla. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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