1
: gentle in nature or behavior
has a mild disposition
2
a(1)
: moderate in action or effect
a mild sedative
(2)
: not sharp, spicy, or bitter
mild cheese
mild ale
b
: not being or involving what is extreme
an analysis under mild conditions
3
: not severe : temperate
a mild climate
mild symptoms of disease
mildly adverb
mildness noun

Examples of mild in a Sentence

He has a mild manner. He was a mild-mannered man who rarely became angry. They had a mild disagreement. She has a mild case of the flu. He suffered a mild concussion attack. a mild reprimand, not a stern one We've been having a very mild winter.
Recent Examples on the Web Other centers might offer long-term individual counseling, while some might be limited to short-term counseling that focuses on helping students in mild distress. Eric Wood, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 The research team found that participants who reported lower caffeine consumption had a greater risk of exhibiting memory loss consistent with Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment. Maggie O'Neill, Health, 26 Oct. 2024 Typically, mild symptoms can be managed with remedies such as nasal drops, steam inhalation, or over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol. Cassie Shortsleeve, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2024 This mild skepticism, however, is in conflict with the story itself, which ultimately suggests—somewhat deferentially—that some spiritual illumination guides those who’ve made souls their business. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mild 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mild.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English milde; akin to Greek malthakos soft, Latin mollis — more at melt

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mild was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near mild

Cite this Entry

“Mild.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mild. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

mild

adjective
1
: gentle in nature or behavior
a mild person
2
a
: not strong in action or effect
a mild drug
b
: not sharp, spicy, or bitter
a mild cheese
3
: not severe : temperate sense 5
mild weather
mildly adverb
mildness noun

Medical Definition

mild

adjective
1
: moderate in action or effect
a mild drug
2
: not severe
a mild case of the flu

More from Merriam-Webster on mild

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!