Main Entry:

¹lit·tle

Pronunciation:

\ˈli-t^əl\

Function:

adjective

Inflected Form(s):

lit·tler \ˈli-t^əl-ər, ˈlit-lər\ or less \ˈles\ or less·er \ˈle-sər\ ; lit·tlest \ˈli-t^əl-əst, ˈlit-ləst\ or least \ˈlēst\

Etymology:

Middle English littel, from Old English lȳtel; akin to Old High German luzzil little

Date:

before 12th century

1: not big: as a: small in size or extent : tiny <has little feet> b: young <was too little to remember> cof a plant or animal : small in comparison with related forms —used in vernacular names d: having few members or inhabitants <a little group> <little towns> e: small in condition, distinction, or scope <big business trampling on the little fellow> f: narrow, mean <the pettiness of little minds> g: pleasingly small <a cute little thing> h—used as an intensive <why, you little devil!> 2: not much: as a: existing only in a small amount or to a slight degree <has little money> b: short in duration : brief c: existing to an appreciable though not extensive degree or amount —used with a<had a little money in the bank> 3: small in importance or interest : trivial

synonyms see small

— lit·tle·ness \ˈli-t^əl-nəs\ noun