measlier; measliest
1
: infected with measles
2
a
: containing larval tapeworms
b
: infested with trichinae
3
: contemptibly small
offering a measly salary
Examples of measly in a Sentence
She complained about being given such a measly raise.
All I want is a few measly minutes of your time.
Recent Examples on the Web
Northwestern had 150 total yards and 10 points in the first quarter, while Minnesota had five measly yards and zero points.
—
Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 22 Nov. 2025
One time, the entrepreneurial pair were at a McDonald’s in Hong Kong, and Gates recalled laughing when Buffett offered to foot the measly bill, pulling coupons out of his pocket.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
According to Box Office Mojo, Christy's measly yield of $1.3 million at the domestic box office puts it among the top 12 worst openings for a new release on more than 2,000 screens.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Nov. 2025
In the midst of a winless homestand, all the Wild needed to do Thursday night was win one measly period.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for measly
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Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 22 Nov. 2025
One time, the entrepreneurial pair were at a McDonald’s in Hong Kong, and Gates recalled laughing when Buffett offered to foot the measly bill, pulling coupons out of his pocket.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025
According to Box Office Mojo, Christy's measly yield of $1.3 million at the domestic box office puts it among the top 12 worst openings for a new release on more than 2,000 screens.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Nov. 2025
In the midst of a winless homestand, all the Wild needed to do Thursday night was win one measly period.
—Michael Russo, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for measly
Cite this Entry
“Measly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/measly. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
measly
adjective
mea·sly
ˈmēz-(ə-)lē 
measlier; measliest
: so small or unimportant as to deserve scorn
left a measly nickel tip
Medical Definition
measly
adjective
mea·sly
ˈmēz-(ə-)lē
measlier; measliest
1
: infected with measles
2
a
: containing larval tapeworms
b
: infected with trichinae
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