least

1 of 3

adjective

superlative of little entry 1

1
: lowest in importance or position
It's least on my list of worries.
2
a
: smallest in size or degree
The least noise would startle her.
b
: being a member of a kind distinguished by diminutive size
the least bittern
c
: smallest possible : slightest
believed that the least government was the best governmentIrving Stone

least

2 of 3

noun

: one that is least

least

3 of 3

adverb

superlative of little entry 2

: in the smallest or lowest degree
Phrases
at least
1
: at the minimum
at least once a week
2
: in any case
at least you have a choice
least of all
: especially not
no one, least of all the children, paid attention

Examples of least in a Sentence

Adverb Who was the least at fault in the case? He asked me to help him when I least expected it. That was the least important of her reasons. That was the least interesting book I have ever read.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Frequent displays of appreciation are also critical—among staffers who feel highly valued, 71% are recognized at least a few times a month. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2024 At least 144 people are dead, and hundreds remain missing because the Category 4 Hurricane Helene as of Tuesday. James Powel, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024
Noun
The dish was created in 1926 at the Brown Hotel by chef Fred K. Schmidt after guests got bored with traditional ham and egg suppers (or so legend says, at leasts). Rae Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 28 Mar. 2023 This is one of the ideas that have long made electoral politics a graveyard for the American left: the hope of a post-political, revolutionary campaign built on the backs of the voters most sympathetic to their cause and least likely to vote. Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, 19 Mar. 2020
Adverb
Among 14 major metro areas, unleaded gas is the least expensive in New Bern at $2.74. Alan Wooten | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Oct. 2024 Johnnie Walker Black Label - introduced in 1909, is a blend aged for at least 12 years. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for least 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'least.' 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

Adjective, Noun, and Adverb

Middle English leest, from Old English lǣst, superlative of lǣssa less

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near least

Cite this Entry

“Least.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/least. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

least

1 of 3 adjective
1
: lowest in importance or position
2
: smallest in size or degree

least

2 of 3 noun
: one that is least : something of the lowest possible value or importance

least

3 of 3 adverb
: in the smallest or lowest degree

Medical Definition

least

superlative of little

More from Merriam-Webster on least

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