minimal pair

noun

: two linguistic units that differ in a single distinctive feature or constituent (such as voice in the initial consonants of bat and pat)

Examples of minimal pair in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Go with a sleek or minimal pair with comfortable cushioning that won't rub on the skin. John Thompson, Men's Health, 14 Feb. 2023 Sixty-nine percent of you voted for Balmain’s crystal-embellished style over Dries Van Noten’s slimmer and minimal pair. Vogue, 19 Dec. 2018 This minimal pair is like a universal donor, looking right at home next to every style of sofa, from contemporary tuxedo to traditional Chesterfield. Joanna Linberg, Sunset, 22 Jan. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'minimal pair.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimal pair was in 1942

Dictionary Entries Near minimal pair

Cite this Entry

“Minimal pair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimal%20pair. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!