mild

adjective

ˈmī(-ə)ld 

1

: gentle in nature or behavior

has a mild disposition

2

a(1)

: moderate in action or effect

a mild sedative

(2)

: not sharp, spicy, or bitter

mild cheese

mild ale

b

: not being or involving what is extreme

an analysis under mild conditions

3

: not severe : temperate

a mild climate

mild symptoms of disease

mildly

mī(-ə)l(d)-lē 

adverb

mildness

ˈmī(-ə)l(d)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• balmy
• clement
• equable
• genial
• gentle
• moderate
• soft
• temperate

Examples of mild in a Sentence

He has a mild manner.

He was a mild-mannered man who rarely became angry.

They had a mild disagreement.

She has a mild case of the flu.

He suffered a mild concussion attack.

a mild reprimand, not a stern one

We've been having a very mild winter.

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Recent Examples on the Web

There are three extraction options: mild, medium, and bold. —Nor'adila Hepburn, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2023

Spring and fall may offer visitors mild temperatures, blooms, and thinner crowds, but Buenos Aires is a lively metropolis with something to see and do all year round. —Megan Wood, Travel + Leisure, 14 Nov. 2023

Very lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with water and mild soap for leather cases. —Fox News, 14 Nov. 2023

The last several winters have been a thrill for those who prefer mild weather in the Washington region but particularly disappointing for snow lovers. —Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023

There’s an array of dressings and hot sauces, including a mouth-puckering homemade mignonette, and the oysters are glorious, a symphony of brine and richness, especially the Blue Points, mild and rich as salted butter, and the peachy sweetness of the Kumamotos. —Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2023

If you're intrigued by volcanoes, this is the best time of year to enjoy trekking in mild temperatures and see volcanic activity. —Joyce Falcone, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2023

Light and medium roasts are milder, while medium dark roasts are stronger and bittersweet. —Amanda MacMillan, Health, 29 Oct. 2023

Disease intervention specialists often link infected mothers and their partners with care for syphilis, which has mild symptoms for adults, like fever and sores. —Kenya Hunter, Fortune Well, 28 Oct. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English milde; akin to Greek malthakos soft, Latin mollis — more at melt

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mild

• mild steel

• mild steel

Kids Definition

mild

adjective

ˈmī(ə)ld 

1

: gentle in nature or behavior

a mild person

2

a

: not strong in action or effect

a mild drug

b

: not sharp, spicy, or bitter

a mild cheese

3

: not severe : temperate sense 5

mild weather

mildly

ˈmī(ə)l-(d)lē 

adverb

mildness

ˈmī(ə)l(d)-nəs 

noun

Medical Definition

mild

adjective

ˈmī(ə)ld 

1

: moderate in action or effect

a mild drug

2

: not severe

a mild case of the flu