1
: small in scope
especially : small in output or operation
2
of a map : having a scale (such as one inch to 25 miles) that permits plotting of comparatively little detail and shows mainly large features

Examples of small-scale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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According to the team, the research emphasizes the value of combining CFD modeling with small-scale field testing, especially when scaling up to large alpine PV plants. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025 By comparison, a tiny home or modular small-scale unit can be produced at a fraction of the cost and time, at roughly $75,000 to $100,000 per unit and in just six to eight months. Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2025 The small-scale tragedy depicts an undeniable artistic force who simply could not get out of his own way. David Sims, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025 Yet small-scale farmers, who produce a third of the world’s food, still receive only a sliver of global climate finance. Kaveh Zahedi, Time, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small-scale

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of small-scale was in 1851

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Cite this Entry

“Small-scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small-scale. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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