small

adjective

\ ˈsmȯl

Definition of small

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : having comparatively little size or slight dimensions

b : lowercase

2a : minor in influence, power, or rank

b : operating on a limited scale

3 : lacking in strength a small voice

4a : little or close to zero in an objectively measurable aspect (such as quantity)

b : made up of few or little units

5a : of little consequence : trivial

b : humble, modest

6 : limited in degree

7a : mean, petty

b : reduced to a humiliating position

small

adverb

Definition of small (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : in or into small pieces

2 : without force or loudness speak as small as you will— William Shakespeare

3 : in a small manner

small

noun

Definition of small (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : a part smaller and especially narrower than the remainder the small of the back

2a smalls plural : small-sized products

b smalls plural, chiefly British : smallclothes especially : underwear

Other Words from small Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about small

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Choose the Right Synonym for small

Adjective

small, little, diminutive, minute, tiny, miniature mean noticeably below average in size. small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number. a relatively small backyard little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity. your pathetic little smile diminutive implies abnormal smallness. diminutive bonsai plants minute implies extreme smallness. a minute amount of caffeine in the soda tiny is an informal equivalent to minute. tiny cracks formed in the painting miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale. a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

Examples of small in a Sentence

Adjective

They live in a small house. a small glass of soda She moved to a smaller town. The toy is small enough to fit in my pocket. This room is a little smaller than that one. The movie was a small success. There are still a few small details we have to deal with. It's only a small mistake. The change had only a small impact on the community.

Noun

These shirts are all smalls. “What size ice-cream cones do you want?” “We'll take three larges and a small.”

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

At just 22 feet, Margot needed a top-to-bottom gut and Colorado Caravan wanted to make the camper feel bright and airy despite its small footprint. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "1960s Airstream transformed into modern oasis," 3 July 2019 Although the hailstones were relatively small, measuring less than 1 centimeter across, Agence France-Presse notes that the deluge was strong enough to damage some 200 local homes and businesses, as well as at least 50 vehicles. — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, "A Summer Hailstorm Buried the Mexican City of Guadalajara Under Ice," 2 July 2019 While the overall number of dogs impacted is small out of some 77 million dogs across the U.S., the correlation between DCM heart disease and diet spurred the FDA action. — John Myers, Twin Cities, "‘Boutique’ dog foods linked to fatal heart condition, prompting advice from U veterinarian," 2 July 2019 Matt Jonas/Digital First Media/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images The first study analyzing the effects of a $15 federal minimum wage is out: Its impact on inequality could be huge — while its impact on job loss is likely small to none. — Alexia Fernández Campbell, Vox, "A $15 federal minimum wage won’t cost Americans jobs, new study says," 2 July 2019 On the other hand the study sample was relatively small, so a larger population might reveal a stronger connection, Adesman said. — chicagotribune.com, "Women’s exposure to solvents at work tied to autism in children," 2 July 2019 The vegetarian-friendly The Palisade Café 11.0 makes good food, but the small portions on some of the items may leave you hungry. — Allyson Reedy, The Know, "Your ultimate Palisade wine tour: How to bike to 7 wineries in one day," 2 July 2019 With the 6-0 Darren Collison as the starter for the last two seasons, the Pacers were small. — J. Michael, Indianapolis Star, "Pacers open free agency with sign-and-trade for Malcolm Brogdon, sign Jeremy Lamb," 30 June 2019 The guest rooms, cheerily wallpapered and wainscoted, are small but nicely maintained. — Rosemary Mcclure, latimes.com, "Hotels near Yosemite that won't blow your budget," 30 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

The duo is starting small, performing their procedures at the outpatient surgery facility Endo-Surgical Center of Florida on North Dean Road. — Naseem S. Miller, OrlandoSentinel.com, "'Dr. 90210' star accepting patients in Orlando," 13 May 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Is Keanu intentionally not touching women's waists and the smalls of their backs? — Caitlin O'kane, CBS News, "People have noticed that Keanu Reeves keeps his hands off women in photos," 13 June 2019 Plus sizes and curvy fits sat alongside smalls and slim fits. — Khadeeja Safdar, WSJ, "New J.Crew CEO’s Strategy: Lower Prices, More Sizes," 27 Aug. 2018 Meanwhile, combine 1 teaspoon butter, 1 small chopped red bell pepper, 1/2 medium chopped onion and 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms in a large microwavable container. — Atlanta Life, ajc, "7 Day Menu Planner," 30 Mar. 2018 No defense can close out perfectly against the Rockets for an entire game, but the Thunder—bigs and smalls alike—kept it reasonable and forced specialists to put the ball on the floor. — Rob Mahoney, SI.com, "Thunder Build Case as Western Conference Contenders One Defensive Rotation at a Time," 25 Dec. 2017 Firefighters also are conducting small, controlled burns that destroy fuel for the wildfire. — Joseph Serna, latimes.com, "Winds put hundreds of homes in Montecito area in danger as Thomas fire rages," 15 Dec. 2017 The Suns can be tempted at some point to give up Jackson, an athletic small forward who would help the Cavs. — Terry Pluto, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Browns camp early quarterback report -- Terry Pluto (video)," 3 Aug. 2017 Sea Pride normally sells a dozen crabs for $16 for smalls to $100 for jumbos. — Jeff Barker, baltimoresun.com, "Abundant crabs not too pricey for Maryland's Fourth," 30 June 2017 In addition to music, Wallace has dabbled in movies, starring as a young Smalls in the 2009 biopic about his father, Notorious. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, "Biggie Smalls’ 20-Year-Old Son Pays Tribute to His Father in Rare Appearance: ‘I Live My Life by His Words’," 22 May 2017

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