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 Stone
: one that is least
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 WebAnnie Nova, CNBC, 13 July 2024
But Biden’s answers on foreign-policy questions were also strong enough to reassure, at least for the moment, his allies within the party.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 13 July 2024
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
Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2024
About the shooting:FBI says gunman acted alone, used gun purchased by father
The Associated Press, citing law enforcement sources, reported the rifle was purchased by Matthew Crooks at least six months ago.
—Kenny Jacoby, USA TODAY, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for least 
Adjective
Amid all the anxiety-provoking news, here’s what relief student loan borrowers can still count on — at least for now.
—Annie Nova, CNBC, 13 July 2024
But Biden’s answers on foreign-policy questions were also strong enough to reassure, at least for the moment, his allies within the party.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 13 July 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
Thousands have evacuated their homes, dozens of buildings have been damaged, and at least one resident has been killed by wildfires across California.
—Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2024
About the shooting:FBI says gunman acted alone, used gun purchased by father
The Associated Press, citing law enforcement sources, reported the rifle was purchased by Matthew Crooks at least six months ago.
—Kenny Jacoby, USA TODAY, 15 July 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.
Dictionary Entries Near least
Cite this Entry
“Least.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/least. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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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