least

1 of 3

adjective

ˈlēst 

superlative of little entry 1

1

: lowest in importance or position

It's least on my list of worries.

2

a

: smallest in size or degree

The least noise would startle her.

b

: being a member of a kind distinguished by diminutive size

the least bittern

c

: smallest possible : slightest

believed that the least government was the best government

—Irving Stone

least

2 of 3

noun

: one that is least

least

3 of 3

adverb

superlative of little entry 2

: in the smallest or lowest degree

Phrases

at least

1

: at the minimum

at least once a week

2

: in any case

at least you have a choice

least of all

: especially not

no one, least of all the children, paid attention

Examples of least in a Sentence

Adverb

Who was the least at fault in the case?

He asked me to help him when I least expected it.

That was the least important of her reasons.

That was the least interesting book I have ever read.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But with the immunity dispute likely to be decided in just a matter of days, Trump could use it as a springboard to launch another appealable motion to dismiss the case in Florida, which, at the least, could result in more delays of the trial before Election Day. —Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 June 2024

But, at the very least, Charlotte could make one big addition this summer and be active elsewhere. —Nicky Wolcott, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2024

Noun

The dish was created in 1926 at the Brown Hotel by chef Fred K. Schmidt after guests got bored with traditional ham and egg suppers (or so legend says, at leasts). —Rae Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 28 Mar. 2023

This is one of the ideas that have long made electoral politics a graveyard for the American left: the hope of a post-political, revolutionary campaign built on the backs of the voters most sympathetic to their cause and least likely to vote. —Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, 19 Mar. 2020

Adverb

Mellon has also donated at least $20 million to the campaign of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election, according to the BBC. —Anna Gordon, TIME, 21 June 2024

Do not leave children or pets in the car This seems obvious, but already at least two children have died this year from being left in a hot car, according to the National Safety Council. —Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Baltimore Sun, 21 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective, Noun, and Adverb

Middle English leest, from Old English lǣst, superlative of lǣssa less

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Noun

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing least

• at least
• at the (very) least
• last but not least
• least common denominator
• least common multiple
• least of all
• least squares
• least tern
• least weasel
• not (in) the least
• not (in) the least/smallest/slightest/tiniest bit
• not least
• take/follow the path/line of least resistance
• the least of
• the least of someone's worries
• the least someone can do
• to say the least

Kids Definition

least

1 of 3 adjective

ˈlēst 

1

: lowest in importance or position

2

: smallest in size or degree

least

2 of 3 noun

: one that is least : something of the lowest possible value or importance

least

3 of 3 adverb

: in the smallest or lowest degree

Medical Definition

least

superlative of little