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 adverb
mildness noun

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. See More
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 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mild.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mild was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near mild

Cite this Entry

“Mild.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mild. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

mild

adjective
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 adverb
mildness noun

Medical Definition

mild

adjective
1
: moderate in action or effect
a mild drug
2
: not severe
a mild case of the flu

More from Merriam-Webster on mild

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!