minimal pair

noun

Definition of minimal pair

: 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 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 example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'minimal pair.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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