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
Irving Stone
: one that is least
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
Tony East, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
President Trump’s speech in March will not be a State of the Union, at least not officially, simply because he was elected only weeks ago.
—USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
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
Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Since 2023, at least nine states have dropped this requirement for some doctors with international training, according to the Federation of State Medical Boards.
—Arielle Zionts, NPR, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for least
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Adjective
Everyone on the Pacers roster is a good passer for their position or at least is improving in that area.
—Tony East, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
President Trump’s speech in March will not be a State of the Union, at least not officially, simply because he was elected only weeks ago.
—USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025
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
If at least nine of the Security Council’s 15 representatives backed the mission, it could be rapidly launched, with the two nuclear accords remaining in effect.
—Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Since 2023, at least nine states have dropped this requirement for some doctors with international training, according to the Federation of State Medical Boards.
—Arielle Zionts, NPR, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for least
Cite this Entry
“Least.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/least. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
least
1 of 3 adjective1
: 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
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