Dictionary

miserly

adjective mi·ser·ly \ˈmī-zər-lē\

: hating to spend money

: very small or too small amount

Full Definition of MISERLY

:  of, relating to, or characteristic of a miser; especially :  marked by grasping meanness and penuriousness
mi·ser·li·ness noun
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First Known Use of MISERLY

1593

Synonym Discussion of MISERLY

stingy, close, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, miserly mean being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others. stingy implies a marked lack of generosity <a stingy child, not given to sharing>. close suggests keeping a tight grip on one's money and possessions <folks who are very close when charity calls>. niggardly implies giving or spending the very smallest amount possible <the niggardly amount budgeted for the town library>. parsimonious suggests a frugality so extreme as to lead to stinginess <a parsimonious lifestyle notably lacking in luxuries>. penurious implies niggardliness that gives an appearance of actual poverty <the penurious eccentric bequeathed a fortune>. miserly suggests a sordid avariciousness and a morbid pleasure in hoarding <a miserly couple devoid of social conscience>.
MISERLINESS Defined for Kids

miserly

adjective mi·ser·ly \ˈmī-zər-lē\

Definition of MISERLY for Kids

:  stingy <a miserly neighbor> <a miserly contribution>

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