small

1 of 3

adjective

1
a
: having comparatively little size or slight dimensions
b
2
a
: minor in influence, power, or rank
b
: operating on a limited scale
3
: lacking in strength
a small voice
4
a
: little or close to zero in an objectively measurable aspect (such as quantity)
b
: made up of few or little units
5
a
: of little consequence : trivial
b
6
: limited in degree
7
a
: mean, petty
b
: reduced to a humiliating position
smallish adjective
smallness noun

small

2 of 3

adverb

1
: in or into small pieces
2
: without force or loudness
speak as small as you willWilliam Shakespeare
3
: in a small manner

small

3 of 3

noun

1
: a part smaller and especially narrower than the remainder
the small of the back
2
a
smalls plural : small-sized products
b
smalls plural, chiefly British : smallclothes
especially : underwear
Choose the Right Synonym for small

small, little, diminutive, minute, tiny, miniature mean noticeably below average in size.

small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number.

a relatively small backyard

little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity.

your pathetic little smile

diminutive implies abnormal smallness.

diminutive bonsai plants

minute implies extreme smallness.

a minute amount of caffeine in the soda

tiny is an informal equivalent to minute.

tiny cracks formed in the painting

miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale.

a dollhouse with miniature furnishings

Examples of small in a Sentence

Adjective They live in a small house. a small glass of soda She moved to a smaller town. The toy is small enough to fit in my pocket. This room is a little smaller than that one. The movie was a small success. There are still a few small details we have to deal with. It's only a small mistake. The change had only a small impact on the community. Noun These shirts are all smalls. “What size ice-cream cones do you want?” “We'll take three larges and a small.”
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.
Adjective
This white wooden board will elegantly display small appetizers, such as meat, cheese, and other charcuterie board goodies. Toni Sutton, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024 Other stylish spots in the area with affordable rates include Alamo Motel, Skyview Los Alamos, and Hotel Ynez. 13 of 13 Cambria and Cayucos Just 15 miles apart, these small Pacific Coast Highway towns have two very different vibes. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024
Adverb
The duo is starting small, performing their procedures at the outpatient surgery facility Endo-Surgical Center of Florida on North Dean Road. Naseem S. Miller, OrlandoSentinel.com, 13 May 2017
Noun
Just bear in mind that the sound quality from a speaker this small is limited. Simon Hill, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024 As a long-torso girlie, these are ACTUALLY high rise and hit above my belly button — almost to the small of my waist. Amanda Randone, refinery29.com, 13 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for small 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English smal, from Old English smæl; akin to Old High German smal small, Greek mēlon small domestic animal

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Adverb

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

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near small

Cite this Entry

“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

small

1 of 3 adjective
1
: little in size
2
: little in amount
a small supply
3
: not very much : minor
small success
4
: not important
a small matter
5
: operating on a limited scale
small dealers
6
: soft entry 1 sense 1c
a small voice
7
: not generous : mean, petty
a small nature
8
: made up of few or little units
a small crowd
9
: humble entry 1 sense 1, modest
a small beginning
10
: having been humiliated or humbled
felt very small to be caught cheating
smallish adjective
smallness noun

small

2 of 3 adverb
1
: in or into small pieces
cut the meat small
2
: in a small manner
most businesses begin small

small

3 of 3 noun
: a part smaller and especially narrower than the rest
the small of the back

More from Merriam-Webster on small

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!