Definition of little
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: not big: such as
a
: small in size or extent : tiny
has little feet
b
: young
was too little to remember
c
of a plant or animal
: small in comparison with related forms
—used in vernacular names
d
: having few members or inhabitants
a little group little towns
e
: small in condition, distinction, or scope
big business trampling on the little fellow
g
: pleasingly small
a cute little thing
h
—used as an intensive why, you little devil!
2
: not much: such as
a
: existing only in a small amount or to a slight degree
has little money
b
: short in duration : brief
There is little time left.
c
: existing to an appreciable though not extensive degree or amount
—used with a had a little money in the bank
3
: small in importance or interest : trivial
a few little problems to be dealt with
little
adverbDefinition of little (Entry 2 of 3)
1a
: in only a small quantity or degree : slightly
facts that were little known at the time
b
: not at all
cared little for their neighbors
2
: rarely, infrequently
little
noun
plural littles
Definition of little (Entry 3 of 3)
1
: a small amount, quantity, or degree
also
: practically nothing
little has changed
2a
: a short time
b
: a short distance
3
: a young child : little one
How you introduce your littles to the trail helps determine what they think of hiking as they grow. — Backpacker … Beyoncé and JAY-Z don't post many photos of their littlest littles.— Azure Hall As a mom determined to nurse each of her littles, I've tucked myself away in airplane bathrooms dozens of times to pump ounces of milk.— Kourtney Gibson
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for little
The first known use of little was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century