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 WebGeorge Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024
The Falcons are trying to break in rookie quarterback Michael Penix, who will likely serve as Kirk Cousins’ backup all season, so expect the 2024 first-round pick to challenge Miami’s secondary for at least a half of football.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 June 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
Landon Mion, Fox News, 28 May 2024
But at least one key lawmaker bridled at campaign donations the president made for this month’s GOP primary.
—Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for least 
Adjective
San Diego’s Euphoria Brass Band will perform at least 11 times.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024
The Falcons are trying to break in rookie quarterback Michael Penix, who will likely serve as Kirk Cousins’ backup all season, so expect the 2024 first-round pick to challenge Miami’s secondary for at least a half of football.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 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
At least five people were shot Monday night in a mass shooting in Sacramento, California, according to police.
—Landon Mion, Fox News, 28 May 2024
But at least one key lawmaker bridled at campaign donations the president made for this month’s GOP primary.
—Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for least
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'least.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near least
Cite this Entry
“Least.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/least. Accessed 10 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share