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 Web
Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
The one that stands out above the rest, at least in terms of size, is the gyrfalcon.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
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
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 1 July 2025
However, as reported by Forbes Advisor, most U.S. households (91.7%) had at least one vehicle in 2022, and 22.1% had three or more vehicles.
—Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for least
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Adjective
But at the very least, Republicans elected to serve in Sacramento should be treated with respect.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
The one that stands out above the rest, at least in terms of size, is the gyrfalcon.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 29 June 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
Debt holders will also exchange at least $145 million of their holdings into equity, with the potential to equitize up to a total of $337 million of existing debt.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 1 July 2025
However, as reported by Forbes Advisor, most U.S. households (91.7%) had at least one vehicle in 2022, and 22.1% had three or more vehicles.
—Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for least
Cite this Entry
“Least.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/least. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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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