lower; lowest
1
a
: not rising or extending upward a great distance
low mountains/peaks
low hills
a low building
b
: extending or reaching upward less than other things of the same kind
low boots
a low fence
low [=short] grass
c
: not located far above the ground or another surface
low clouds/altitudes
The sun was low [=near the horizon] in the western sky.
The apartment has low ceilings.
d
always used before a noun
: not rising above surrounding land
They have a home in the low country.
The houses are built on low ground.
e
: cut far down at the neck
a low dress
a dress with a low neckline [=a dress with a low-cut neckline]
2
a
: less than usual in amount, number, or degree
They were traveling at a low (rate of) speed.
temperatures as low as 10 below zero
He's being treated for low blood pressure.
a low dose of medicine
She earns a low salary.
a low-income family
low heat/humidity/temperatures
low interest rates
low intelligence
Demand for his books has remained low.
a low price
b
: near or at the bottom of a range
Temperatures were in the low eighties.
Her salary is in the low 40s. [=her salary is between about $40,000 and $45,000]
c
: not having enough or the amount needed
Our supply of fuel is getting/running low.
The airplane was low on fuel.
We're getting/running low on coffee.
d
: having less than the usual or average amount of something
—often used in combination
a low-calorie diet
low-sodium foods
a low-risk investment
3
a
: not favorable
He holds them in low regard/esteem. = He has a low opinion of them. [=he thinks poorly of them; he regards them unfavorably]
low hopes/expectations
Everyone was in low spirits [=unhappy] because of the rainy weather.
b
: sad or unhappy
She's been feeling pretty low.
a low mood
c
: not good : below a certain quality or standard
products of low quality
He got low marks/grades throughout college.
low morale
He has pretty low standards when it comes to choosing a hotel.
Our vacation ended on a low note [=it ended in an unpleasant way] when our flight was delayed.
The time we spent waiting at the airport was the low point [=the least enjoyable part] of our vacation.
d
: morally bad
a person of low character
low behavior
a low trick
low standards of conduct
4
: below others in power, importance, etc.
Losing weight is a low priority for him. = Losing weight is low on his list of priorities.
officials of low rank = low-ranking officials
The decision of a lower court is being reviewed by a higher court.
5
a
: not loud : soft
a low whisper
a low moan
They were speaking in low voices. [=they were speaking quietly]
b
: near the bottom of a range of sounds
a singer with a low [=deep] voice = a singer with a low-pitched voice
: occurring near the bottom of the musical scale
a low note
6
a
: not strong or forceful
low winds
b
: not bright
plants that grow well in low light
c
: not very hot
The sauce is best when cooked slowly over low heat.
She uses the iron on a low setting when she is working with delicate fabrics.
7
: having qualities that do not appeal to intelligent people
a low style of writing
low humor
low art
8
of a river, stream, etc.
: having less water than usual
The river is low.
lower; lowest
1
: at or to a low place or level
The village is nestled low in the foothills.
The plane circled low over the airport.
He aimed his punches low.
a low-flying airplane
I put the larger books lower down and the smaller books higher up.
2
a
: in or to a low or poor condition
a family brought low by misfortune
b
: at a low rate
Don't value yourself too low.
a low-paid worker
3
: at a low price
buy low and sell high
4
: with a quiet voice : not loudly
speaking low [=softly]
plural lows
1
: a low point or level
Prices are at an all-time/record low.
The dollar has fallen to a new low against the Euro.
Have the media reached/hit a new low in bad taste?
The low [=lowest temperature] last night was 25.
The forecast is for showers with lows in the 40s.
He talked about the highs and lows [=the good parts and bad parts] of his college years.
2
US
: a gear that is used for slow speeds in a vehicle
He shifted into low.
called also (US) low gear
3
weather
: an area of low atmospheric pressure
A strong low is expected to bring cloudy skies tomorrow.
Cite this Entry
“Low.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/low. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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