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 government …—
Irving Stone
Irving StoneExamples 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
Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
That erosion has been most dramatic among the least partisan Americans.
—Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 9 Feb. 2026
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
Arkansas Online, 7 Feb. 2026
Clase is accused of throwing suspicious pitches to benefit those who placed wagers on him in at least 48 games, according to ESPN.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for least
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Adjective
Well, at least there’s a Super Bowl ad that addresses the frustration many may be feeling, courtesy of the company that provides pills for hair loss, weight loss and libido loss.
—Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
That erosion has been most dramatic among the least partisan Americans.
—Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 9 Feb. 2026
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
Nepal crash kills 13 in wedding party KATHMANDU, Nepal -- A bus carrying a wedding party veered off a mountain road in west Nepal and tumbled down a slope in a crash that killed at least 13 people while 34 more were injured, police said Friday.
—Arkansas Online, 7 Feb. 2026
Clase is accused of throwing suspicious pitches to benefit those who placed wagers on him in at least 48 games, according to ESPN.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for least
Cite this Entry
“Least.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/least. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
least
1 of 3 adjective1
: 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
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