mild

play

adjective \ ˈmī(-ə)ld \

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

Milder forms of the disease may allow normal lifespans, with varying degrees of disability, such as being unable to walk.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Ionis earns $40 million from spinal muscular atrophy drug Spinraza," 30 Aug. 2017
My phone is a mild irritant in the body of my household, an irritant that creates a kind of energetic inflammation.

— kathryn jezer-morton, The Cut, "You Can’t Enforce Screen-Time Limits If You’re Always on Your Phone," 30 Aug. 2017
In a large skillet, brown a pound of bacon, mild sausage, chorizo sausage or other ground meat. Drain.

— cheryl stritzel mccarthy, chicagotribune.com, "Busy mom shares easy make-ahead breakfast ideas," 29 Aug. 2017
Gillespie uses far milder language, although his position on monuments has grown sharper in recent days.

— laura vozzella, Washington Post, "Gillespie hires former Trump field director and sharpens tone on Confederate monuments," 29 Aug. 2017
Salsas include mild tomato with cilantro and chiles, tomatillo with cilantro and garlic or chipotle with roasted tomatoes and smoky chipotle chiles or go with spicy picante sauce.

— linda bladholm, miamiherald, "These fresh tacos and salads bring a taste of the west coast," 29 Aug. 2017
Why the 'Average Joe' needs to up his water intake Some people infected with the virus experience no symptoms at all or ones that are relatively mild.

— darla carter, The Courier-Journal, "West Nile virus strikes 4 Kentuckians. 1 case confirmed in Louisville," 25 Aug. 2017
Trump carried Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin by narrow enough margins that even the mildest midterm anti–

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "Note to GOP: Senators From the Party That Doesn’t Control the White House Usually Do Very Well in Midterms," 24 Aug. 2017
The milky, slightly sweet flavor is very mild, so keep the red pepper flakes nearby, and sprinkle generously. 12.

— steffi victorioso, Los Angeles Magazine, "Every Pizza at Pizzanista!, Ranked," 23 Aug. 2017

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

See Words from the same year

mild Synonyms

Synonyms

balmy, equable, genial, gentle, clement, moderate, soft, temperate

Antonyms

harsh, inclement, intemperate, severe

Related Words

clear, cloudless, fair, rainless, sunny, sunshiny; calm, halcyon, peaceful, placid, tranquil; delightful, fine, pleasant

Near Antonyms

blustering, blustery, breezy, gusty, rough, squally, stormy, windy; misty, rainy, showery; bleak, cloudy, dismal, foggy, gloomy, gray (also grey), hazy, overcast, sunless; bitter, dirty, foul, nasty, raw

MILD Defined for English Language Learners

mild

play

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

play

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

play

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

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Origin and Etymology of mild

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MILD Defined for English Language Learners

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