mild

adjective

ˈmī(-ə)ld 

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

mildly

mī(-ə)l(d)-lē 

adverb

mildness

ˈmī(-ə)l(d)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• 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

Their grass-like hollow leaves have a mild onion flavor and are common in salads and dips. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 29 June 2025

After the Animal Kingdom star shaved his head for another role, Williamson had a mild freakout. —Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 29 June 2025

The closing comes at a time of mild upheaval in the Coconut Grove culinary scene. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 28 June 2025

Wash the inside of your vase with mild dishwashing liquid and warm water, and use a bottle brush to help lift out dirt and bacteria from its corners. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 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 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