a little

adverb

variants or a little bit
: to some extent : a bit, somewhat
This one is a little (bit) bigger than that one.
It bothered me a little (bit).
She eased up a little (bit) on the brakes.
see also little entry 4

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of a little was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near a little

Cite this Entry

“A little.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20little. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on a little

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!