minor league

noun

: a league of professional clubs in a sport other than the recognized major leagues

minor-league

ˈmī-nər-ˈlēg 

adjective

Examples of minor league in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Barring a setback in his final minor league rehab appearance, he could be activated in time for the playoffs. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Never mind that the Mets had an on-field awards presentation for their minor league players and coaches of the year, and never mind that young adult author Rebecca Yarros threw out the first pitch. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 15 Sep. 2026

Train service could also bring more people to places like Augustana College in Rock Island and the Quad Cities River Bandits’ minor league ballpark in Davenport, Iowa. — Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Even college baseball — with its shorter schedule and regular off days — is no stand-in for the grind of a minor league season, which includes at least twice as many games as an elite NCAA program plays in a year. — Chad Jennings, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for minor league

• chincoteague
• blitzkrieg
• fatigue
• intrigue
• muskeg

Kids Definition

minor league

noun

: a professional sports league (as in baseball) that is not one of the major leagues