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
Karla Cripps, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026
Enough, at least, to be satisfied with what came of a sometimes frustrating season.
—Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 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
Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Burnett, a trucker from Deer Park, New York, and Florida, pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed him at least eight times in the chest, abdomen and arms, records allege.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for least
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Adjective
The impact on aviation is expected to be felt for at least the next few days.
—Karla Cripps, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026
Enough, at least, to be satisfied with what came of a sometimes frustrating season.
—Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 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
England’s top division is known for its competitive depth, meaning there is usually at least one upset every gameweek.
—Graham Ruthven, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Burnett, a trucker from Deer Park, New York, and Florida, pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed him at least eight times in the chest, abdomen and arms, records allege.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 27 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 3 Mar. 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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