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 WebJohn Cassidy, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024
Ukrainian Emergency Service/AFP via Getty Images LONDON -- Russia launched a deadly large-scale attack across Ukraine on Monday, sending drones and cruise and ballistic missiles toward at least 15 regions, Ukrainian officials said.
—Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 26 Aug. 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
Arthur Allen | Kff Health News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2024
According to an analysis by the nonprofit Afterschool Alliance, which advocates for better out-of-school-time policies, school districts nationwide spent at least $2.4 billion of pandemic-relief funds specifically on summer programs.
—Elliot Haspel, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for least 
Adjective
At least in theory, raising taxes on corporations and the rich would create the scope for combining progressive new policies with deficit reduction.
—John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024
Ukrainian Emergency Service/AFP via Getty Images LONDON -- Russia launched a deadly large-scale attack across Ukraine on Monday, sending drones and cruise and ballistic missiles toward at least 15 regions, Ukrainian officials said.
—Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 26 Aug. 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
More than 2,000 people died of COVID in July -- a high number but a small fraction of the at least 25,700 COVID deaths in July 2020.
—Arthur Allen | Kff Health News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2024
According to an analysis by the nonprofit Afterschool Alliance, which advocates for better out-of-school-time policies, school districts nationwide spent at least $2.4 billion of pandemic-relief funds specifically on summer programs.
—Elliot Haspel, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 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 12 Sep. 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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