mild

adjective

ˈmī(-ə)ld 

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

mī(-ə)l(d)-lē 

adverb

mildness

ˈmī(-ə)l(d)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• balmy
• clement
• equable
• genial
• gentle
• moderate
• soft
• temperate

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

Kimberly Hunley, the chief deputy county attorney of Santa Cruz County, spoke to Wanda with the mild, unflappable patience of a teacher dealing with a frustrated child. —Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2024

Infections can range from no symptoms or mild illness, such as flu-like symptoms, to more severe illness, such as pneumonia that could require hospitalizations, the CDC says. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2024

Since then, researchers have found several surprising results, including a lower risk of several types of cancer, improved cardiovascular outcomes and a lower risk of mild cognitive decline. —Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 23 Apr. 2024

But what really defines Springfield Batch is a mellow sweetness with an almost citrus-like character that positions this release on the milder side of the Booker’s flavor spectrum. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2024

While there are some moments of mild violence with laser gun fights and sword duels sprinkled throughout the episodes, there is nothing too graphic. —Kristina Behr, Parents, 23 Apr. 2024

The dairy farm outbreak has resulted in only one mild human infection, but farms are fertile ground for the virus to jump species — from cat to cow to pig and human, in any order. —Emily Anthes, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2024

Even the mild California climate attracts homeless from other places. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2024

The busy season is late May through mid-October when temperatures are milder, all roads are open, and entry reservations are required during certain times of the day. —Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024

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

Phrases Containing mild

• mild steel

Kids Definition

mild

adjective

ˈmī(ə)ld 

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

ˈmī(ə)l-(d)lē 

adverb

mildness

ˈmī(ə)l(d)-nəs 

noun

Medical Definition

mild

adjective

ˈmī(ə)ld 

1

: moderate in action or effect

a mild drug

2

: not severe

a mild case of the flu