Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » least

least

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of least is the lowest in importance or the smallest of something.

(adjective)

An example of least is one penny being the lowest value U.S. coin; the least amount of value.
An example of least is someone doing the smallest amount of work necessary; the least necessary.

See least in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

little
smallest or slightest in size, degree, importance, etc.: the least movement
Biol. very small: used in names of species or varieties: least flycatcher

Origin: ME lest < OE læsest, læst, superl. of læssa, less

adverb

little
in the smallest degree

noun

the smallest in size, amount, importance, etc.

See least in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective A superlative of little.

Lowest in importance or rank.
a. Smallest in magnitude or degree.
b. Slightest or tiniest: didn't care the least bit.

adverb Superlative of little.

To or in the lowest or smallest degree.

noun

One that is the lowest or smallest in importance, rank, magnitude, or degree: The dinner menu is the least of my worries tonight. The least you can do is to be polite.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English lǣst; see leis-² in Indo-European roots

Learn more about least

least synonyms

least phrase meanings

least in a sentence

least quotes

least images