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
Chris Willman, Variety, 23 May 2026
Tinsley didn’t look unhittable, at least not at first.
—Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 23 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
Paris Barraza, USA Today, 24 May 2026
Pavlo Didychenko, who works for the Ukrainian defense company Infozahyst, which sponsored the visit, also said there’s at least two Americans working at the company.
—Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for least
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Adjective
On at least half these 14 songs, McCartney is taking an unapologetically nostalgic look at his ever-present past.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 23 May 2026
Tinsley didn’t look unhittable, at least not at first.
—Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 23 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
Onsite voting for the June 2 California Primary is underway, however at least one voting station is being used as an emergency shelter and some ballot drop boxes in the Southland are closed in the immediate area.
—Paris Barraza, USA Today, 24 May 2026
Pavlo Didychenko, who works for the Ukrainian defense company Infozahyst, which sponsored the visit, also said there’s at least two Americans working at the company.
—Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 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 25 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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