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
Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Want to get the most out of your garden with the least amount of time and effort?
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 11 July 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
Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
Officials previously announced that at least 27 campers and counselors died at the Christian summer camp.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for least
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Adjective
They are tied with Venezuela as having the least appearances in Copa, with 6 wins, 3 draws and 20 losses across 29 matches.
—Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Want to get the most out of your garden with the least amount of time and effort?
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 11 July 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
The new lanes will be reserved for buses, vehicles with at least two passengers to encourage more carpooling, motorcycles and clean air stickered vehicles.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
Officials previously announced that at least 27 campers and counselors died at the Christian summer camp.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 13 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 24 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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