mild

adjective

ˈmī(-ə)ld 

1

: gentle in nature or behavior

has a mild disposition

a mild-mannered man who rarely lost his temper

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

a mild case of the flu

3

: not severe : temperate

a mild climate

mild symptoms of disease

mildly

mī(-ə)l(d)-lē 

adverb

mildness

ˈmī(-ə)l(d)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of mild

• temperate
• moderate
• gentle
• sunny

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 on the Web

The soft, stretchy style can be worn as a warm sweater or as substantial outerwear on milder days. —Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025

In the second half of December, unwrap 12 unique mini bottles of hot sauce, which range from mild to blazing hot. —Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2025

While most are mild and don’t cause symptoms, moderate or severe cases can lead to back pain, breathing problems and reduced mobility. —Kate Snow, NBC news, 4 Dec. 2025

Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Big Bend National Park is November through April when temperatures are mild and comfortable for hiking and camping. —Carrie Dennis, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mild

• mild-mannered
• mild steel

Rhymes for mild

• filed
• piled
• riled
• smiled
• styled
• tiled
• wild
• beguiled
• brainchild
• compiled
• defiled
• exiled

Kids Definition

mild

adjective

ˈmī(ə)ld 

1

: gentle in nature or behavior

a mild person

2

a

: not strong in action or effect

a mild drug

b

: not sharp, spicy, or bitter

a mild cheese

3

: not severe : temperate sense 5

mild weather

mildly

ˈmī(ə)l-(d)lē 

adverb

mildness

ˈmī(ə)l(d)-nəs 

noun

Medical Definition

mild

adjective

ˈmī(ə)ld 

1

: moderate in action or effect

a mild drug

2

: not severe

a mild case of the flu