mild

adjective \ ˈmī(-ə)ld \

Updated on: 20 May 2018

Definition of mild

1 : gentle in nature or behavior

has a mild disposition

2 a (1) : moderate in action or effect

a mild sedative

(2) : not sharp, spicy, or bitter

mild cheese

mild ale

b : not being or involving what is extreme

an analysis under mild conditions

3 : not severe : temperate

a mild climate

mild symptoms of disease

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mildly

play \mī(-ə)l(d)-lē\ adverb

—

mildness

play \ˈmī(-ə)l(d)-nəs\ noun

See mild defined for English-language learners

See mild defined for kids

Examples of mild in a Sentence

He has a mild manner.
He was a mild-mannered man who rarely became angry.
They had a mild disagreement.
She has a mild case of the flu.
He suffered a mild concussion attack.
a mild reprimand, not a stern one
We've been having a very mild winter.

Recent Examples of mild from the Web

Although results can be skewed by bad weather, Are said this year’s count was conducted during mild, dry conditions.

— kate santich, OrlandoSentinel.com, "New report shows homeless population declining," 16 May 2018
Most kitchen aficionados might think that the cake came from, well, Germany, when in fact the name came from one Sam German (1802-88) who invented a form of mild, dark baking chocolate for Baker's Chocolate Company in 1852.

— craig hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, "The not-so-German origins of German chocolate cake," 9 May 2018
The evening and overnight hours are mild, with lows mostly in the 50s to near 60.

— jason samenow, Washington Post, "D.C.-area forecast: A great week of weather, though we turn toasty toward the end," 7 May 2018
But the definition gradually expanded, and autism is now shorthand for a group of milder, related conditions.

— mike stobbe, BostonGlobe.com, "More kids have autism, better diagnosis may be the reason," 26 Apr. 2018
Young Cantal is mild, smooth, and grassy, with a more genteel rind.

— tia keenan, Bon Appetit, "These 5 Cheese Plates Are Perfect, So Copy Them Exactly," 24 Apr. 2018
While children with mild-to-moderate autism can not only coexist but thrive in traditional learning environments, many children who are on the severe end of the spectrum can benefit from schools focused specifically on their needs.

— damar services, Indianapolis Star, "5 ways classrooms are successfully changing to support students with autism," 24 Apr. 2018
Second place would go to Aunt Ruby's German Green Tomato, which is also big, juicy and meaty and mild, not acidic.

— lisa boone, latimes.com, "Early Girl, Cherokee Purple or Sweet 100? Readers share their tomato successes," 21 Apr. 2018
Grove Bay Hospitality Dishes are at once creamy and crunchy, acidic and smooth, warm and cool, bright and mild, sweet and spicy — forming mini flavor bombs in each bite.

— victoria pesce elliott, miamiherald, "Why this restaurant earned our first ‘Exceptional’ review in two years. (Hint: its talented tattooed chef) | Miami Herald," 5 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mild.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of mild

Middle English, from Old English milde; akin to Greek malthakos soft, Latin mollis — more at melt

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

mild Synonyms

MILD Defined for English Language Learners

mild

adjective

Definition of mild for English Language Learners

: gentle in nature or behavior
: not strong in action or effect
: not strong or harsh in taste

MILD Defined for Kids

mild

adjective \ ˈmīld \

Definition of mild for Students

milder; mildest

1 : gentle in personality or behavior

a mild young man

2 : not strong or harsh in action or effect

mild soap

3 : not sharp, spicy, or bitter

mild cheese

4 : not extreme or severe

mild weather

a mild headache

—

mildly

adverb

spoke mildly

—

mildness

noun

Medical Dictionary

mild

adjective \ ˈmī(ə)ld \

medical Definition of mild

1 : moderate in action or effect

a mild drug

2 : not severe

a mild case of the flu

Learn More about mild

See words that rhyme with mild Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mild Spanish Central: Translation of mild Nglish: Translation of mild for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of mild for Arabic speakers

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MILD Defined for English Language Learners

mild

Definition of mild for English Language Learners

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Medical Dictionary

mild

medical Definition of mild

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