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)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above