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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
But so far, at least, Musk hasn’t reached the end of his leash. Allison Morrow, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025 While Padres general manager A.J. Preller will most definitely add to this corner of the roster in the coming weeks — Peralta, for instance, remains a free agent — non-roster invitees with at least some big-league time include Oscar Gonzalez and Forrest Wall. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
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
In at least one case, the U.S. intelligence helped thwart an IS plot to attack a religious shrine outside Damascus earlier this month, according to the officials. Warren P. Strobel, arkansasonline.com, 26 Jan. 2025 The show employed so many local working actors, one producer claimed every person listed on a Broadway bill had appeared on at least one episode. Glynnis MacNicol, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for least 

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 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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