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> c of 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