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
Arvind Narayanan, WIRED, 13 Dec. 2024
In contrast, among the first four teams left out of the playoffs, South Carolina had the least penalty yards per game at 57.5 — higher than the playoff average.
—Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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
Brendan Clarey | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Dec. 2024
And BDCs can avoid taxes at the federal level by paying out at least 90% of their taxable earnings to shareholders in the form of dividends.
—Brett Owens, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for least 
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Adjective
An Indian politician claimed that audio clips of him acknowledging corruption in his political party were doctored (the audio in at least one of his clips was verified as real by a press outlet).
—Arvind Narayanan, WIRED, 13 Dec. 2024
In contrast, among the first four teams left out of the playoffs, South Carolina had the least penalty yards per game at 57.5 — higher than the playoff average.
—Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 13 Dec. 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
Before the pandemic, school leaders estimated that 32% of students were behind grade level in at least one area.
—Brendan Clarey | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Dec. 2024
And BDCs can avoid taxes at the federal level by paying out at least 90% of their taxable earnings to shareholders in the form of dividends.
—Brett Owens, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for least
Dictionary Entries Near least
Cite this Entry
“Least.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/least. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
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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