minimal pair

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, "The Most Popular Shoes of 2018, According to You, Our Instagram Followers," 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, "10 Winning Side-Table Styling Ideas," 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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Dictionary Entries near minimal pair

minimal lineage

minimax principle

Statistics for minimal pair

Cite this Entry

“Minimal pair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimal%20pair. Accessed 21 Oct. 2020.

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