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
Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
In terms of a third-round pick, the Eagles took a fair swing at someone who could become a potential successor for Lane Johnson, if not at the very least someone who can provide depth.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Apr. 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
Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Those signatures must be distributed from around the state and include at least 6% of voters in 18 of the state’s 35 legislative districts.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for least
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Adjective
That, combined with their late selections in each round, put them among the teams with the least overall capital in the league.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
In terms of a third-round pick, the Eagles took a fair swing at someone who could become a potential successor for Lane Johnson, if not at the very least someone who can provide depth.
—Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Apr. 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
So far, all four of the Giants’ picks in the 2026 NFL Draft are at least 6 feet tall, bringing size and physicality to a new regime under Harbaugh.
—Charlotte Carroll, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Those signatures must be distributed from around the state and include at least 6% of voters in 18 of the state’s 35 legislative districts.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 25 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 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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