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 WebAnthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2024
In today’s United States, at least in liberal and leftist circles, certain aspects of identity are understood to be a matter of choice—as well as a battleground for freedom.
—Nicolás Medina Mora, The Atlantic, 6 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
NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024
In most states, 2%-3% of individual and family taxpayers claimed a tax credit for at least one form of climate-friendly home improvement in 2023.
—Julie Zauzmer Weil The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for least 
Adjective
With Justin Herbert expected to miss at least another week because of his plantar fascia injury, the Chargers added depth to their quarterback room by signing quarterback Luis Perez.
—Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2024
In today’s United States, at least in liberal and leftist circles, certain aspects of identity are understood to be a matter of choice—as well as a battleground for freedom.
—Nicolás Medina Mora, The Atlantic, 6 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
This is an event that Team USA has a strong pedigree in, winning at least one medal in each of the last six Olympic Games in the women's 100m hurdles, even sweeping all three podium positions in Rio.
—NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024
In most states, 2%-3% of individual and family taxpayers claimed a tax credit for at least one form of climate-friendly home improvement in 2023.
—Julie Zauzmer Weil The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 8 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 19 Aug. 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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