small capital

noun

: a letter having the form of but smaller than a capital letter (as in these words)

called also small cap

Word History

First Known Use

1755, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of small capital was in 1755

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Small capital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small%20capital. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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Kids Definition

small capital

noun

: a letter having the form of but smaller than a capital letter (as in these words)

called also small cap

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