First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1small
adjective \ˈsmȯl\
: little in size
: few in number or little in amount
: not very important
Full Definition of SMALL
1
a : having comparatively little size or slight dimensions b : lowercase
2
a : minor in influence, power, or rank b : operating on a limited scale
3
: lacking in strength <a small voice>
4
a : little or close to zero in an objectively measurable aspect (as quantity) b : made up of few or little units
6
: limited in degree
7
— small·ish \ˈsmȯ-lish\ adjective
— small·ness \ˈsmȯl-nəs\ noun
See small defined for English-language learners
See small defined for kids
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Origin of SMALL
Middle English smal, from Old English smæl; akin to Old High German smal small, Greek mēlon small domestic animal
Related to SMALL
- Synonyms
- bantam, diminutive, dinky, dwarfish, fine, half-pint, Lilliputian, little, pint-size (or pint-sized), pocket, pocket-size (also pocket-sized), puny, pygmy, shrimpy, slight, smallish, subnormal, toylike, undersized (also undersize)
Synonym Discussion of SMALL
small, little, diminutive, minute, tiny, miniature mean noticeably below average in size. small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number <a relatively small backyard>. little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity <your pathetic little smile>. diminutive implies abnormal smallness <diminutive bonsai plants>. minute implies extreme smallness <a minute amount of caffeine in the soda>. tiny is an informal equivalent to minute <tiny cracks formed in the painting>. miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale <a dollhouse with miniature furnishings>.
2small
adverb
Definition of SMALL
1
: in or into small pieces
2
: without force or loudness <speak as small as you will — Shakespeare>
3
: in a small manner
First Known Use of SMALL
before 12th century
3small
noun
: something that is sold in a small size : something that is smaller than other things of the same kind
Full Definition of SMALL
1
: a part smaller and especially narrower than the remainder <the small of the back>
2
a plural : small-sized products b plural chiefly British : smallclothes; especially : underwear
See small defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SMALL
14th century
SMALL Defined for Kids
1small
adjective \ˈsmȯl\
small·ersmall·est
Definition of SMALL for Kids
1
: little in size <a small house>
2
: few in numbers or members <a small crowd>
3
: little in amount <a small supply>
4
: very young <a small child>
5
: not very much <small success>
6
: unimportant <There are some small details to work out.>
7
: operating on a limited scale <small car dealers>
8
: very soft and quiet <a small voice>
9
: not generous : mean
10
: made up of units of little worth <small change>
12
: lowered in pride <After fumbling the ball, I felt pretty small.>
13
: being letters that are not capitals
— small·ness noun
2small
noun
Definition of SMALL for Kids
: a part smaller and usually narrower than the rest <the small of the back>
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