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
Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 9 May 2026
That told me that the CTA planned — or at least hoped — to eventually extend the line from Midway to Ford City.
—Chicago Tribune, 9 May 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
Michael Perkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
Every Division 1 team will have at least two playoff games this season.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for least
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Adjective
After striking out five times in the first three innings, the Angels at least had some better at-bats against Cease over the next four.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 9 May 2026
That told me that the CTA planned — or at least hoped — to eventually extend the line from Midway to Ford City.
—Chicago Tribune, 9 May 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
This is a big problem for the at least 3,000 people in our three-county area who sleep outside or in their cars each night.
—Michael Perkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
Every Division 1 team will have at least two playoff games this season.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 9 May 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 11 May. 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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