smidgen

noun

smid·​gen ˈsmi-jən How to pronounce smidgen (audio)
variants or less commonly smidgeon or smidgin or smidge
: a small amount : bit
a smidgen of salt
a smidgen of common sense

Examples of smidgen in a Sentence

I'll just have a smidgen of ice cream. the maid cleaned the house until there wasn't even a smidgen of dust left
Recent Examples on the Web Lamb’s development is one reason the Cowboys could have a smidgen of trepidation about signing Odell Beckham Jr. because the length of his resume might just make Lamb deferential, which would not be a positive. Dallas News, 6 Dec. 2022 This closeness, shown without a smidgen of sentimentality, serves as the saving grace of these women’s lives. Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Aug. 2023 Nevertheless, Republicans voted to weaken oversight over such weapons—just days after survivors from numerous mass shootings visited the Hill to ask members of Congress for even a smidgen of meaningful action on guns. Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 14 June 2023 While the most unscrupulous human campaign operative may still have a smidgen of accountability, AI has none. David E. Clementson, The Conversation, 21 July 2023 The agreement potentially offers House Speaker Kevin McCarthy a smidgen of breathing room, amid Republican efforts to impose work requirements on Medicaid and SNAP benefits during debt ceiling negotiations. Prem Thakker, The New Republic, 11 May 2023 If this was to be an era of a more public monarchy, then the queen would control the pace of change, permitting a smidgen more access in a more modern manner, without abandoning the aloofness that underpinned the monarchy. Alan Cowell, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2022 Ironically, in cities such as San Francisco that boosted the minimum wage, that means parents who work full-time at minimum wage often earn a smidgen too much to qualify for help, LeBarre said — even though their incomes are grossly inadequate for the expensive region. Carolyn Said, SFChronicle.com, 15 Sep. 2020 No offense to the Metroplex, but the view for UT and OU — white sandy beaches and a crystal-clear Gulf of Mexico — will be a smidgen better this spring. Brent Zwerneman, San Antonio Express-News, 18 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'smidgen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of English dialect smitch soiling mark

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smidgen was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near smidgen

Cite this Entry

“Smidgen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smidgen. Accessed 27 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

smidgen

noun
smid·​gen
variants also smidgeon or smidgin
ˈsmij-ən
or smidge
: a small amount : bit
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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