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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But then the fish gives way and a smidgen of foie gras stashed inside makes your eyes pop. The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025 And people willing to just have a smidgen of boldness can go straight into that space and tell amazing stories. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025 This is very relatable, and I’m almost tempted to give him a smidgen of empathy. Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 15 Aug. 2025 Her sea bass recipe utilizes some of her favorite ingredients: white miso paste, and toasted sesame oil, plus agave syrup and a smidgen of coconut sugar. Cathy Thomas, Mercury News, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for smidgen

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smidgen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smidgen. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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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