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
Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 Sep. 2025
Though earlier reports pointed towards production in India, Gurman says at least some of it will be done by Foxconn in China.
—PC Magazine, 22 Sep. 2025
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
Tonya Simpson, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2025
Charnvirakul said repairs would take at least a year, the Bangkok Post reported.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for least
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Adjective
But players also realize, or at least learn quickly enough, that such highs and lows are part of the business and overreaction is counterproductive.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 23 Sep. 2025
Though earlier reports pointed towards production in India, Gurman says at least some of it will be done by Foxconn in China.
—PC Magazine, 22 Sep. 2025
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
The industry's value balloons to at least $3 billion when counting money spent by private schools and in higher education, according to another report from data analytics firm Omdia.
—Tonya Simpson, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2025
Charnvirakul said repairs would take at least a year, the Bangkok Post reported.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for least
Cite this Entry
“Least.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/least. Accessed 28 Sep. 2025.
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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