measly

adjective

mea·​sly ˈmēz-lē How to pronounce measly (audio)
ˈmē-zə-
measlier; measliest
1
: infected with measles
2
a
: containing larval tapeworms
b
: infested with trichinae
3
: contemptibly small

Examples of measly in a Sentence

She complained about being given such a measly raise. All I want is a few measly minutes of your time.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Preds have the worst record in the entire league, with a measly 20 points. Nate Rau, Axios, 13 Dec. 2024 The Jonathan that Nancy brought to the page no longer exists; neither does her version of Catherine — a femme fatale conjured from a measly roll of boudoir photos. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2024 That's down from last year's record-setting $12.2 billion, but way up from the measly $7-$9 billion Americans spent between 2014-2020. Karri Peifer, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024 Rather than hanging out with John Fisher, maybe Bob Nutting should spend some time in Kansas City with John Sherman or in Detroit with Christopher Ilitch, and learn how an investment in players, and a commitment to winning, can pay dividends well beyond a measly $200,000. Dan Freedman, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for measly 

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of measly was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near measly

Cite this Entry

“Measly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/measly. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

measly

adjective
mea·​sly ˈmēz-(ə-)lē How to pronounce measly (audio)
measlier; measliest
: so small or unimportant as to deserve scorn
left a measly nickel tip

Medical Definition

measly

adjective
mea·​sly ˈmēz-(ə-)lē How to pronounce measly (audio)
measlier; measliest
1
: infected with measles
2
a
: containing larval tapeworms
b
: infected with trichinae

More from Merriam-Webster on measly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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