First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1mere
noun \ˈmir\
Definition of MERE
chiefly BritishADVERTISEMENT
Origin of MERE
Middle English, from Old English — more at marine
Rhymes with MERE
2mere
noun
Definition of MERE
Origin of MERE
Middle English, from Old English mǣre; akin to Old Norse landamæri borderland
First Known Use: before 12th century
3mere
adjective
—used to say that something or someone is small, unimportant, etc.
—used to say that something small is important or has a big effect or influence
superlative mer·est
Full Definition of MERE
1
: having no admixture : pure
2
obsolete : being nothing less than : absolute
3
: being nothing more than <a mere mortal> <a mere hint of spice>
— mere·ly adverb
See mere defined for English-language learners
Origin of MERE
Middle English, from Latin merus; akin to Old English āmerian to purify and perhaps to Greek marmairein to sparkle — more at morn
First Known Use: 15th century
MERE Defined for Kids
mere
adjective \ˈmir\
superlative mer·est
Definition of MERE for Kids
: nothing more than <mere rumors> <a mere child>
Learn More About MERE
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