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
Lucas Shaw, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
The Middle East war, which has shown little sign of easing, may continue to push China’s producer prices higher at least through March, said Zhang, warning that a prolonged conflict risks tipping the global economy into stagflation.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 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
Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
Seven City Council incumbents face at least one challenger, while Councilmember Monica Rodriguez is running unopposed to represent her northeast San Fernando Valley district.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for least
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Adjective
The company estimates there are at least a million tennis fans who would pony up for its app and millions more casual fans who might watch for free or listen to a podcast.
—Lucas Shaw, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
The Middle East war, which has shown little sign of easing, may continue to push China’s producer prices higher at least through March, said Zhang, warning that a prolonged conflict risks tipping the global economy into stagflation.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 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
In Lebanon, at least eight people were killed in an Israeli strike on the southern coastal city of Sidon, Lebanon's Health Ministry said Friday.
—Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
Seven City Council incumbents face at least one challenger, while Councilmember Monica Rodriguez is running unopposed to represent her northeast San Fernando Valley district.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 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 14 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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