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 WebRey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 26 Oct. 2024
They were threatened with loaded guns, and at least five were killed on the picket line or while organizing workers.
—Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 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
Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Oct. 2024
With only two bucks in the seasonal bag limit, hunters had to harvest at least one doe to achieve the award.
—Arkansas Game and Fish, arkansasonline.com, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for least 
Adjective
There was an 80% chance Phoenix would at least tie the previous daily record high of 98 degrees set in 2001, according to Ted Whittock, meteorologist for the weather service in Phoenix.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 26 Oct. 2024
They were threatened with loaded guns, and at least five were killed on the picket line or while organizing workers.
—Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 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
One volunteer even went person-to-person in the crowd of at least 100.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Oct. 2024
With only two bucks in the seasonal bag limit, hunters had to harvest at least one doe to achieve the award.
—Arkansas Game and Fish, arkansasonline.com, 29 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 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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